Photo: City Councilman Eric Ulrich has brought back $5.7 million in capital and expense funding to District 32. Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office
One area elected official has brought some bread back home.
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) on Monday announced that he has secured a record $5,685,000 in local expense and capital funding for District 32.
The news follows the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2016 city Budget. For the seventh year in a row, Ulrich said, he helped his Council colleagues and the mayor pass an on-time, balanced budget without property tax increases, and was able to fund over 100 community groups and projects.
While the negotiations and ultimate allocation of funding for an additional 1,297 police officers received the lion’s share of attention, Ulrich said the FY2016 Budget supports all other vital city services including libraries, public schools, infrastructure projects, parks, roads, etc. It also expands after school programs and services for veterans and senior citizens.
“Above all, this year’s Budget keeps New Yorkers and their families safe and protects the vital services we all rely upon,” said Ulrich, chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee. “It also provides funding for local groups that serve my constituents in every corner of the district. Since taking office, I have made sure that we receive our fair share of city services and resources in the budget. This year is no exception.”
In expense funding, Ulrich secured $685,000 for civic associations, senior centers, volunteer fire departments, athletic leagues, and veterans organizations.
Some of the grant recipients include: Broad Channel Volunteers, Inc., Charles Park Conservation Society, Inc., Forest Park Trust, Inc., Gateway Bike and Boathouse, Inc., Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation, Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic, Lindenwood Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc., the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association, Inc., New York Families for Autistic Children, Inc., One Stop Richmond Hill Community Center, Inc., West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society Inc., Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, and the Broad Channel Athletic Club, Inc.
Additionally, Ulrich secured funding for SAT prep programs for several district high schools, festivals and activities in parks, and additional litter basket service along 101st Avenue and Jamaica Avenue. Other initiatives, including the graffiti removal program and supplemental sanitation services, are also included in the budget.
Ulrich secured $5 million in capital funds for 30 capital projects within the district, half of which—$2.51 million—was designated through the Participatory Budgeting Project.
Capital projects funded within District 32 include: technology upgrades at 17 schools; school library and auditorium renovations; library construction and security upgrades; park renovations and enhancements, including the Forest Park Dog Run, Tribute Park, All American Park, the Forest Park 9/11 Memorial and the installation of emergency call boxes in Forest Park.
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
By Michael V. Cusenza
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
