Community Board 11 committee gathers neighborhood priorities for 2027 budget, highlights parks, lighting and gardening needs

Community Board 11’s Budget & Priority Committee met in a public hearing to gather community requests for the 2027 city budget and district needs and heard residents press for park repairs, community-garden support and improved pedestrian lighting.

The committee meeting, chaired by Stacy Andeliano (Chair, Budget & Priority Committee), opened public discussion and reviewed last year’s top requests, including park reconstruction, a new or expanded elementary school and a new or expanded middle school. The committee asked residents to submit new or revised requests by Sept. 30 so the board can assemble its formal submission in October.

Why it matters: the committee’s submission helps shape which local projects city agencies and elected officials consider in next year’s capital and expense budgets. Community priorities submitted through the board are routed to city agencies, borough offices and council members for review.

Most speakers focused on parks in the district. Diana Finch (Chair, Bronx Park East Community Association) told the committee how to track capital projects and urged use of raised beds where ground soil is contaminated: “When you wanna check on the progress of parks projects, remember there’s the New York City parks capital project tracker,” Finch said. She also cautioned residents that, because of…