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 lead in some soils, “They want you to use the raised beds and bring in the soil from elsewhere.” The parks improvements mentioned included repairs to Loretto Park and completion of work in Eastchester Gardens, where new exercise equipment and garden beds were recently installed.

Residents asked the committee to press city agencies for clearer opening schedules, signage and community outreach when new park facilities open. One speaker emphasized that the new exercise equipment should be accompanied by instructions and community education so neighbors know how to use and protect it.

Several residents proposed community gardening, composting and youth programming using newly available green space. Committee members and residents discussed grant opportunities and resource partners, including the New York Botanical Garden’s master-composting training, and the local Sunday farmer’s market organizer, Judy Dazier, as a potential resource for garden and grant expertise. The parks committee plans to invite Parks Department staff to the board’s October parks committee meeting to provide project updates and answer questions.

Public safety and lighting were raised as separate, actionable concerns. Residents described persistently dark conditions on White Plains Road between Pelham Parkway North and Pelham Parkway South, especially around bus stops near the 39 route. Committee members noted that some station lighting (installed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority) points upward and does not illuminate sidewalks or bus shelters. Speakers asked the committee to request either downward-facing lights on the station or additional lighting for bus shelters; the committee said it would include a request to DOT and MTA in its submission.

Separately, residents in and around Eastchester Gardens reported loose or downed wiring on several side streets (including stretches of Burke Avenue) and urged immediate attention. Committee members said they would document the exact locations and file constituent complaints with the relevant city agencies and utilities; they recommended photographic evidence when possible so agency responders can locate hazards quickly.

Other items raised for the board’s budget submission included requests for improved trash removal and street cleansing, a feasibility study for a dog park near Allerton and Bronx Park East, and outreach to local schools (including PS 96) about any facility or program needs. The committee noted that some requests submitted last year — including a Department of Transportation public-health-related request — were not funded and said it would follow up with agencies to clarify why and whether requests should be reworded or resubmitted.

Process notes and next steps: the committee reiterated deadlines and submission methods. Members asked residents to use the online survey or to email the committee with the details and location of each request; the committee said it will compile requests as they arrive and finalize the board’s list in October. Parks Department staff are scheduled to appear at the October parks committee meeting to provide capital-project updates.

Formal actions recorded in the meeting transcript were limited. The transcript records a self-nomination for the committee chair (Stacy Andeliano) that was seconded, but no formal recorded roll-call vote appears in the transcript. The meeting adjourned at about 7:57 p.m.

For residents: if you want a project considered for the board’s 2027 submission, the committee asked that you provide a written request with a specific location and any supporting materials (photos, grant links or prior submission references) by Sept. 30 so staff can compile the report for October.

Ending note: the board will forward compiled requests to city agencies and elected officials; residents with questions about parks projects were advised to attend the October parks committee meeting, where Parks Department staff will be present to respond to scheduling and design questions.