Millions Coming To UWS From NYC'S 2022 Budget: Here's What

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The $98.7 billion New York City budget passed on the last day of June, and Council Member Helen Rosenthal recently sent out an email breaking down how a portion of that money will benefit the Upper West Side.

Rosenthal played a significant role in the budget process, serving as the Chair of the Sub-Committee on Budget and as a member of the Budget Negotiating Team.

"Upper West Siders will be glad to hear that areas of major investment and funding restoration include out public libraries and sanitation services, as well as programming and services for residents facing eviction and/or experiencing hunger," Rosenthal wrote in an email to community members.

Here are the Upper West Side investments sponsored by Rosenthal in the new budget:

Cultural Institutions

• Metropolitan Museum of Art — renovation & infrastructure upgrades for "Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas" galleries: $7,750,000
• American Museum of Natural History — Gilder Center Green Building: $2,250,000
• New York Shakespeare Festival — Delacorte Theater renovation: $$7,900,000
• New York Historical Society — new LGBTQ+ Museum: N/A
• New York City Center - studio chillers & air ventilation: $150,000

Parks

• Verdi Square irrigation project: $635,000
• Riverside Park Dinosaur Playground renovation: N/A
• Riverside Park 78th Street stairs reconstruction: $750,000
• Riverside Park 105th Street ramp reconstruction: $1,500,000

Schools

• Physical improvements for almost 20 schools, including playground repair, new technology, upgrades to auditoriums and drinking water fountains, and the installation of a Green Wall in the entrance of 11 Upper West Side school buildings.
• John Jay College, upgraded security system: $300,000

Health Care

• Hospital for Special Surgery, diagnostic equipment: $630,000

Additionally, Rosenthal's office allocated nearly $700,000 in "expense" or programmatic funding for various UWS institutions, including more schools, parks, cultural centers, senior and community centers, and food pantries.

Moving forward, the Upper West Side council representative will allocate an additional $1 million-plus in City Council Initiative funding for local sanitation services, afterschool and senior center art programs, domestic violence services, and funding for local Business Improvement Districts.