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Community board highlights limited FY2027 wins: DOT to add lighting, greenway and plaza upgrades
Summary
At its March 24 meeting the community board reviewed its preliminary FY2027 budget requests, reported several agency-supported projects (street and greenway lighting, pedestrian plaza, protected bike lane, and after‑school expansions) and urged residents to submit requests earlier.
The Community Development and Budget Priorities meeting on March 24 reviewed preliminary FY2027 community district needs and budget requests and reported a handful of agency‑backed projects.
Moderator Dwayne Williams told attendees the board’s top priorities are traffic‑violation enforcement and public safety, youth crime‑prevention programming, and expanded emergency ambulance services for older residents. "We're a little bit disappointed to discover that not many of our requests have been supported and accommodated," he said, but he laid out several items agencies agreed to support.
The Department of Transportation told the board it can accommodate repairs or newly installed street lighting around parks and the municipal parking lot at Bronxdale and Bronx Park East; the board said the Bronx Park East Community Association supported that item. DOT also agreed to increase lighting along Pelum Parkway and the adjacent greenway and to create or upgrade a pedestrian plaza at Bronxdale and Austin Place, addressing existing boulders and plaza furnishings.
Board members said DOT plans to convert parking lane space on Pelon Parkway North (between Stillwell Avenue and Williams Bridge) into a protected bike lane to connect to the Hutchinson River Greenway. The board also reported expansion work on after‑school programs; meeting remarks described a "three‑year 20,000 seat expansion" of the Compass after‑school program but the numeric phrasing in the record was unclear and is reported here as stated in the meeting.
The Department of Youth and Community Development confirmed continued support for Cornerstone and Beacon program funding. Several other requests—including assistance for low‑income households to pay energy bills—were described as supported in principle by agencies but not funded; the transcript referenced a program called "HEA HAP" as part of the funding context but did not provide an authoritative program citation.
Board leaders urged residents to submit future FY2028 budget requests early so the board can compile documentation and stronger evidence (letters of support, source materials) to improve the chance of funding. The board also plans to invite agencies to future meetings to explain funding rationales and offer guidance on making requests more competitive.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
