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Dear John
The blackout period is over! Back to our regularly scheduled programming.
* While ideas collection for Participatory Budgeting has closed, be sure to submit your nomination for our Civic Assembly! The Civic Assembly is a group of community members who will come together to deliberate on which Participatory Budgeting project ideas will be developed for the ballot. They will act as a jury to review all the submitted project ideas and help develop a list of community priorities. Nominate ([link removed]) friends, family, and peers from your community who could help us develop our list of community priorities from the ideas submitted through Participatory Budgeting.
Our Community’s Newest Plaza
We’re announcing this a little late because blackout rules prohibited us from commenting on past events, but on 10/11, and after years of work, I was thrilled to officially expand Kensington Plaza with the support and partnership of the Department of Transportation (DOT)!
Creating this extended open space has been the result of hundreds of intentional community conversations and piloting it for the last two summers. When this work began, I was a staff member at former Council Member Brad Lander’s office, bringing together dozens of community members to help identify where we could build new and accessible public space while addressing crash-prone corridors like Beverley Road and East 2nd Street.
Unlike nearly every other neighborhood in District 39, Kensington has few public spaces, so this expansion is a welcome addition. This plaza will also be cared for by the DOT, so its operations will be fully funded and staffed by the City. We know this is a change for community members and many businesses, but our office is here to answer any questions and help in any way. Creating walkable and accessible public spaces like the new Kensington Plaza for our neighbors is safer for pedestrians, good for small businesses, and cuts down on our community's greenhouse gasses.
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Thank you to Misha Tyutyunik for your incredible work on the plaza’s mural! This art will be around for years to come for our community to enjoy.
Community Bulletin
* As Thanksgiving fast approaches, our friends at CHiPS are looking for donations to help provide a hearty Thanksgiving meal to those in need. Check out the list of needs ([link removed]) , and please consider giving generously this holiday season!
* Please join Heights and Hills as they honor National Caregiver Appreciation Month! These are challenging times, especially while navigating caring for a loved one. This workshop will explore different methods to release, reset, and recharge. Sign up for a self-care workshop on either Tuesday, 11/14, from 6:30-7:30 PM ([link removed]) or Wednesday, 11/15, from 12 - 1 PM. ([link removed])
* The reconstruction of the dog run at Washington Park will start the week of 11/14! The project will take approximately one year to complete and you can track the progress on the Parks website here ([link removed]) .
* The Department of Transportation has proposed new rules for outdoor dining and you can submit your feedback! You can submit your feedback online ([link removed]) or attend the virtual hearing on 11/20 at 10 AM. Access the zoom link here ([link removed]) .
* The application for Open Streets is now officially open! Check out the application and eligibility requirements here ([link removed]) and be sure to get your application in before 1/31/24. Please reach out to our office with any questions or if you need support on the application.
In Solidarity,
Shahana
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New York City Council
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