Community Board 11 lays out 2027 budget priorities, highlights parks, lighting and community-garden needs

Community Board 11's Budget & Priority Committee met in September for a public hearing on 2027 budget priorities and district needs, reviewing prior requests and urging residents to submit items in time for the October deliverable.

Stacy Andeliano, chair of the Budget & Priority Committee, opened the meeting by stating that the committee was holding a public hearing on the 2027 budget priorities and district needs. She asked residents to submit requests by the end of September so the committee could assemble the board's package for October’s deadlines.

The committee reviewed several recurring requests from the prior cycle and heard updates from community members and guest speakers. Committee members said last year's top requests — park reconstruction/upgrade, school capacity (an annex at P.S. M.S. X 89 at 980 Morris Avenue was cited), and middle-school expansion — were returned with a recommendation that the board contact the relevant city agencies directly for more information.

Parks and community gardens drew sustained discussion. Residents and committee members reported completion of landscaping and exercise equipment at a local site in Eastchester Gardens and urged the parks department and NYCHA (where relevant) to schedule a grand-opening announcement and to provide clear guidance to residents on hours and rules so new installations are respected. Diana Finch, chair of the Bronx Park East Community Association, directed attendees to the New York City Parks Department capital project tracker for schedules and said the tracker often posts design images when available.

Finch and other speakers warned that community gardens and planting in parks face constraints. Finch said the Parks rules often require raised beds rather than planting directly in the ground because of lead in soil and that applicants typically must identify a property and apply for grants or other funding; she noted some grants and foundation funds are available annually but did not name specific programs. The meeting highlighted interest in composting classes and a volunteer-led master-composting initiative tied to the New York Botanical Garden training one participant is pursuing.

Lighting and public-safety concerns were raised for White Plains Road's stretch between Pelham Parkway North and Pelham Parkway South. Residents said the bus stops there are particularly dark; committee members noted MTA fixtures and station lighting tend to be aimed upward and do not illuminate sidewalks or bus shelter waiting areas. Speakers asked the committee to request either downward-facing lights at the subway station or lighting within bus shelters; the transcript identifies responsibility as split among MTA, DOT and other city agencies, and the committee said it would include a lighting request in the board's list.

Other local requests included a feasibility study for a dog park near Allerton and Bronxdale by Brady Playground, equipment and additional lighting at several parks, and follow-up on improved trash removal. Several residents urged coordination with NYCHA when projects involve NYCHA-owned property.

The committee also discussed a wiring hazard reported along Burke Avenue at the perimeter of Eastchester Gardens: residents asked the board to document exact locations and photographs so staff can submit constituent complaints to the proper agency for an urgent safety check.

Procedural and timeline notes: committee members said they are preparing the board's submission for the city and asked that residents email or use the online survey option by Sept. 30 when possible to meet the October deliverable. The Parks Department will provide an update at the board's October parks committee meeting.

The meeting concluded with routine items, a brief discussion of old business (including thank-you letters for Juneteenth donors) and adjournment at 7:57 p.m.