Participatory Budgeting Addresses Fort Hamilton Lake

The delegates from the Transit Committee of the 39th District's Participatory Budgeting Initiative met recently, and their top concern is the drainage problems outside of the Fort Hamilton Parkway subway station.

Committee member Sara Nordmann wrote up an account of the meeting for Councilmember Brad Lander's blog:

Fortunately, the project that was highest-ranked in importance at the community meetings--a remodeling of the often-flooded entrance ramp at Fort Hamilton Parkway Station--could come in under the $1 million mark if we use our capital funds judiciously....

Because the entrance-repair package at Ft. Hamilton was voted a “Top 3” choice the most times of any project at the general community meetings, there was a consensus within the group that should be our top pick.

What this means is that this issue is very likely to come up for vote in March when the district decides how to spend $1 million--so if this is an important issue to you, be sure to get out there and vote!

Unfortunately, between now and then is a long winter and the potential for that area to be flooded and frozen, as has happened in the past. Clearly there needs to be a long-term fix, but we need someone to take ownership of it between now and then, someone to rake leaves, scatter salt or sand, and shovel.

If you use this subway entrance and have concerns about the coming winter, you can contact Community Board 7 at 718-854-0003 or communityboard7@yahoo.com, and Councilmember Lander at 718-499-1090 or lander@council.nyc.gov.