Brownsville and Ocean Hill
Brooklyn Community Board 16
Appointed by the Brooklyn Borough President, half on the recommendation of local Council members. Advisory, but the first government to hear about anything on your block.
Margaret Brewer
chair · district manager Sydone Thompson
Fourth Tuesday, 7:00pm
board meetings are public; anyone can speak
81
budget requests to the city this cycle
What this board asked the city for
From the city’s official register, in the board’s own words, ranked by the board’s own priority. The response is the city’s.
Create a new, or renovate or upgrade an existing public libraryRepointing and rehabilitation of the limestone are needed to prevent further deterioration of exterior of the Stone Avenue Library Branch which is also in need of a new roof and side entry steps. In addition, new windows and doors are also needed.City response (Brooklyn Public Library): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Create a new, or renovate or upgrade an existing public libraryRenovation of the interior of the Saratoga Library Branch is needed to include the heating and cooling system and safety and security enhancements.City response (Brooklyn Public Library): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other expense budget request for ACSExpand early care and education programs provided by day care and headstart centers.City response (Department of Education): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Other capital request for DCLACREATE A MURAL ON LIVONIA BETWEEN CHESTER & ROCAWAY AVECity response (Department of Cultural Affairs): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other capital request for DOHMHRODENT BAITING AND CONTROL THROUGHOUT LOTS, TRAIN STATIONS, AREAS EXPERIENCING NO CLEANING AND HEAVY DUMPING.City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 1Increase transportation services capacityMany of our elderly and homebound residents live alone. Without this service, they would not be able to get to their medical appointments and shop for groceries.City response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Reconstruction of Floyd Paterson Field with synthetic turf for multi purpose use such as baseball, football, soccer, and cricket will improve the condition of the field and make it more conducive for recreational activities for all ages. We also request that lights be installed for night activities.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other requests for park, building, or access improvementsFunding was allocated to fix the BRC since 2023.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Other educational programs requestsFor various reasons, not every student is prepared to attend college. Therefore, they should have the option to learn a skilled trade while in high school that will equip them to compete in the job market. Career and Technical Education Programs will prepare our high school students for entry level employment in a specific occupation and is aligned with business/industry standards.City response (Department of Education): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Clean catch basinsWhen litter and debris clog our catch basins, flooding and ponding occur during heavy rainfall at heavily trafficked locations which makes it difficult and unsafe for pedestrian crossing. Periodic cleaning of our catch basins is required.City response (Department of Environmental Protection): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Other programs to address public health issues requestsAccording to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the rate of preterm births in Community District #16, a key driver of infant death, is the second highest in the city. Maternal and infant health services are needed to promote healthy pregnancies, positive birth outcomes, and healthy infant growth and development. The long-term goal of maternal and infant health programs is tCity response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 1Increase number of surveillance cameras for illegal dumpingJunius Street, East New York Avenue, Broadway, New Lots Ave are always being dumped on.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Reconstruct streetsDOT began resurfacing in 2024 along the eastern section of the district and has not continued street repairs since that time.City response (Department of Transportation): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 1Repair or provide new street lightsInstall lighting on Rockaway Avenue between Pitkin Avenue & Eastern Parkway to increase safety and prevent falls. The locations are dark and create unsafe conditions for pedestrians.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support but can address the need alternatively
priority 1Other capital budget request for NYCHAReplace all sewer lines at Howard Houses. Because of its aging infrastructure, there is an increasingly need to replace sewer lines at Howard Houses to prevent further leaks and breaks in the system. The playground is also in need of a full renovation for residents of the complex. The basketball court at Langston Huges Houses and Tilden Houses is also in need of a full renovation for residents ofCity response (Housing Authority): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Show all 81 requests
Forestry services, including street tree maintenanceStreet trees throughout the district are in need of pruning. Tree limbs are covering streetlights and creating a condition conducive to criminal activities.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Provide more on-street trash cans and recycling containersRestore trash cans to Marion Street & Rockway Avenue and Livonia Avenue and Chester Street. Additionally, ensure that cans are present in high traffic areas that contribute to road debris.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.The Rockaway Avenue station on the IND line is subterranean and is not ADA compliant. An elevator or escalator is needed to enable persons who cannot walk down the series of steps to access the subway system.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Other capital request for OMBCB16 office cannot properly service one of the most impoverished districts in New York and the country if competitive salaries cannot be offered to recruit and maintain a competent and strong workforce to support our constituentsCity response (Mayor's Office of Management and Budget): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Other workforce development requestsA comprehensive one stop small business center to include M/WBE programs and technical assistance to support local businesses and entrepreneurs is needed.City response (Department of Small Business Services): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Renovate interior building componentRenovate all bathrooms in schools in District #23 to provide a safe and healthy environment for students and staff.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other traffic improvement requestsBike lane striping are fading, and safety-related installations such as vertical stakes are damaged or missing. Repairs are needed to ensure the function of bike lanes and safety of users.City response (Department of Transportation): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 1Provide, expand, or enhance Cornerstone and Beacon programs (all ages, including young adults)Many of our impoverished families lack financial resources to provide structured activities for their children. We need continued funding of our Cornerstone and Beacon programs which provide a range of free educational, cultural and recreational resources to our children and youth.City response (Department of Youth & Community Development): This request has already been completed.
priority 1Other expense budget request for HPDProvide more housing for extremely low and low income households. The supply of decent affordable housing for extremely low and low income households is decreasing. As a result, many reside in substandard housing that impacts their health. Others are forced into homeless shelters.City response (Department of Housing Preservation & Development): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Provide, expand, or enhance rental assistance programs/vouchers for permanent housingAccording to the American Community Survey, about a third of families in Community District #16 are facing poverty. Many of these families are at risk of losing affordable housing for a variety of reasons, such as minimum wage jobs, temporary unemployed due to illness, and lost of job. Programs such as Homebase are needed to provide families with monetary assistance and resources to remain in City response (Human Resources Administration): This request has already been completed.
priority 1Other expense budget request for NYCHAReplace windows and appliances in apartments at Howard Houses to improve energy efficiency and living conditions for residents.City response (Housing Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Improve subway station or train cleanliness, safety and maintenanceRegularly maintain overgrown weeds and dirty conditions at subway stations along the IRT #3/L-line Junius Street between New Lots Ave and Livonia Avenue.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Other NYPD staff resources requestsDistribute new recruits to the 73rd for better coverage of Ocean Hill and Brownsville.City response (Police Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Renovate or upgrade a middle or intermediate schoolUpgrade student bathrooms, library and auditorium (curtains, sound system and air condition) and gymnasium to provide a safe and healthy environment for students and staff at Kappa V.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Enhance home care servicesMany of our seniors live alone and are in need of assistance to perform activities of daily living in their home such as bathing, feeding, and or housekeeping.City response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Renovate restroom at Ocean Hill Playground.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Rehabilitate Betsy Head Pool and Bath House. Due to many years of use, the swimming pool is in need of renovation as well as the bath house.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Inspect storm sewer on specific street segment and service, repair or replace as neededMany rain gardens are overgrown and not maintained. DEP needs to collect and disclose when they are cleaned. Additional manpower is needed to clean the rain gardens more frequently.City response (Department of Environmental Protection): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 2Create or promote programs to de-stigmatize mental health needs and encourage treatmentGun violence is very prevalent in our community. When gun violence ends a life, it also impacts the lives of survivors (families and friends) who struggle to cope with the lose of a loved one. In addition, COVID-19 has impacted the mental health of our residents. Preventive and treatment programs are needed for all ages.City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 2Reconstruct streetsResurface East New York Avenue between Mother Gaston Blvd and Junius Street. Years of continued construction has left East New York Avenue in disrepair.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 2Install security cameras or make other safety upgradesInstall security cameras, new entry doors and intercoms at Marcus Garvey Houses to help deter crime and enhance the quality of life for its residents.City response (Housing Authority): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.The Sutter-Rutland Road station on the IRT line is an elevated structure and is not handicap accessible. An elevator or escalator is needed to enable persons who cannot walk up the stairway to use the station.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 2Support development of local Storefront / Facade Improvement ProgramThere are a number of vacant storefronts along the Belmont Avenue commercial corridors where property owners need financial support to renovate.City response (Department of Small Business Services): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 2Other expense budget request for HPDHPD - Provide more housing for medium income households. Maintaining permanent housing is becoming more difficult for low wage working individuals and families. Medium income housing will enable them to become less rent burden and remain in the communityCity response (Department of Housing Preservation & Development): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 2Other NYPD staff resources requestsThe district is experiencing a large number of abandoned cars that need to be identified and removed from our streets. Also, traffic near area schools cause congestion in early morning and afternoon hours. Traffic agents are needed to help mitigate traffic issues.City response (Police Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Renovate or upgrade an elementary schoolThe auditorium at P.S. 41 is dimly lit. Upgrading of the lighting will provide more illumination during performances and meetings.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Increase home delivered meals capacityMany of our low-income elderly residents who live alone do not have sufficient income to shop for groceries and prepare daily nutritional meals. An expansion of the Meals-on-Wheels program will enable this population to eat more healthy and frequently.City response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 3Provide a new, or new expansion to, a building in a parkNehemiah Park and Floyd Paterson Field are located diagonally from each other. Construction of a comfort station at Nehemiah Park will service both Nehemiah Park and Floyd Paterson Field which are heavily used by residents of neighboring housing developments.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Renovate playground and restroom at Osborn Playground.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 3Create or promote programs for education and awareness on preventing chronic diseases including quitting smoking, nutrition, physical activity, etc.Expand services and programming to address Dementia and Alzheimer's.City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 3Repair or provide new street lightsThe IRT 3-line runs along Livonia Avenue between Junius Street and East 98th Street. Additional lights are needed along Livonia Avenue to brighten the street and make it less conducive to criminal activities.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support but can address the need alternatively
priority 3Other capital request for NYCTAReplace IRT 3-line with new trains that are proposed. This line has not been upgraded in several years.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 3Support development of local Storefront / Facade Improvement ProgramThere are a number of stores along the Pitkin Avenue commercial corridor that need facade improvement and property owners are in need of financial assistance.City response (Department of Small Business Services): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 3Other expense budget request for HPDHPD - Expand loan programs to rehabilitate multiple dwelling building. Many of our multi family housing stock are in need of roof replacement, heating and electrical upgrades. Financing programs such as the Participation Loan Program and Multifamily Housing Rehabilitation Program are needed to facilitate the physical and financial sustainability and affordability of privately-owned multifamily buiCity response (Department of Housing Preservation & Development): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 3Renovate or upgrade an elementary schoolRenovate cafeteria at P.S. 599. A complete renovation of the cafeteria is needed to provide better accommodations for the student body.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)The basketball court and sitting area of Marion Hopkinson Playground is caving in and in need of reconstruction.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Renovate playground and restroom at Ocean Hill Playground.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Create or promote programs for education and awareness on preventing chronic diseases including quitting smoking, nutrition, physical activity, etc.Cancer is one of the top 10 diseases that impact our community. We need education and resources for breast cancer, prostate cancer, throat cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer.City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 4Reconstruct streetsBroadway between Saratoga Avenue and Van Sinderen Avenue is a very busy commercial thoroughfare. It's been more that 40 years since this segment of Broadway has been reconstructed to remove hazardous roadway conditions. Agency needs to indicate a timeline and confirm funding.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Repair or upgrade subway stations or other transit infrastructureInstall security cameras and upgrade lighting in the tunnel of the East New York station on the LIRR to improve security for riders. Paint or install other durable material; i.e., weatherproof tiles.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 4Renovate or upgrade an elementary schoolThe cafeteria and auditorium at P.S. 137 are in need of renovation to improve lighting and seating for the student body.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Van Dyke Playground is used by hundreds of residents who live in Van Dyke Houses, a NYCHA development. The play equipment is in need of rehabilitation and a bathroom is requested.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 5Other capital budget request for DPRRepair waterlines at Chester Playground to make restroom functional and re-open restrooms that have been inoperable for 3 years.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 5Other expense request for DOHMHIncrease services for expecting and new mothers for breast feeding services, to educate and encourage breastfeeding.City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 5Upgrade or create new plazasRenovate Veterans Triangle including upgrading light fixtures to improve safety. The triangle is used by area residents and MTA bus riders due to adjacent bus stop.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 5Repair or upgrade subway stations or other transit infrastructureRehabilitate pedestrian bridge connecting the IRT-3 at Junius Street and the L-line at Livonia Avenue to provide safe passage and connection to subway stations. Upgrade lights on the bridge to better illuminate the walkway.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 5Renovate interior building componentRenovate all school buildings in District #23 to make them ADA compliant.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 5Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Dr. Richard Green Playground is adjacent to a public school and several NYCHA buildings which is the only source of recreation for hundreds of children. The play equipment needs upgrading as well as the comfort station.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 6Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Renovate restrooms at Chester Playground. As of Nov. 2025, the capital project is 5% completed since 2022. Bathrooms continue to remain inoperable.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 6Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.The Rockaway Avenue station on the IRT line is an elevated structure and is not handicap accessible. An elevator or escalator is needed to enable persons who cannot walk up the stairway to use the station.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 6Renovate interior building componentK284 (The Gregory "Jocko" Jackson School of Sports, Arts, and Technology) has a swimming pool that is in substandard condition and cannot be used by students who want to learn how to swim. Restoring the pool can also provide after school programming for other community residents who desire to learn how to swim.,City response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 6Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Rehabilitation of the play equipment and comfort station at South Pacific Playground, which is adjacent to Kingsboro Houses, will continue to provide much needed recreation for community residents.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 7Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.The Chauncey Street station on the "J" line is an elevated structure and is not handicap accessible. An elevator or escalator is needed to enable persons who cannot walk up the stairway to use the stationCity response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 7Renovate interior building componentThe cafeteria at P.S. 446 is also used as an auditorium and gymnasium. Padding is needed on the walls to prevent injury during gym.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 7Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Livonia Park is adjacent to a senior citizen complex. New benches, checkers and chess tables and exercise equipment are needed.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 8Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.The New Lots Avenue station on the "L" line is an elevated structure and is not handicap accessible. An elevator or escalator is needed to enable persons who cannot walk up the stairway to use the stationCity response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 8Renovate or upgrade an elementary schoolP.S. 178 is a very old structure and the entire building is in need of painting. All water fountains need to be replaced. The draining system in the kitchen needs repairing to enable water to drain properly. All radiators need protective covering to prevent students from getting burned when touching.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 8Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)New and updated play equipment is needed at Fish Playground to provide recreation for children in the adjacent school as well as the community.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 9Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.The Saratoga Avenue station serves patients who seeking medical care at Brookdale Hospital on the IRT 3-line which is an elevated structure and is not handicap accessible. An elevator or escalator is needed to enable persons who cannot walk up the stairway to use the station.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 9Renovate other site componentReconstruct the roof over the auditorium of P.S. 327 to prevent further damage when it rains.City response (Department of Education): This request has already been completed.
priority 9Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.The Sutter Avenue station on the "L" line is an elevated structure and is not handicap accessble. An elevator or escalator is needed to enable persons who cannot walk up the stairway to use the station.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 10Renovate or upgrade an elementary schoolRenovate Cafeteria and Auditorium at P.S. 155. A complete renovation is needed for the cafeteria and auditorium to provide better lighting and seating for the student body.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 10Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.The Atlantic Avenue station on the "L" line is an elevated structure and is not handicap accessible. An elevator or escalator is needed to enable persons who cannot walkup the stairway to use the station.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 11Renovate interior building componentInstall new PA System at Dr. Betty Shabazz School P.S. 298.City response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 11Repair or upgrade subway stations or other transit infrastructureNew Lots Avenue station on the L-line is dimly lit. Upgrade lights at the station to provide more illumination for commuters.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 12Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.The Junius Street station on the IRT line is an elevated structure and is not handicap accessible. An elevator or escalator is needed to enable persons who cannot walk up the stairway to use the station. We're also requesting the construction of a passageway between the "Junius Street" station on the IRT-3 and the "Livonia Avenue" station on the IND-L to enable commuters to transfer between statCity response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 13Reach the board
Official websitemeeting agendas and minutes live here
official444 Thomas Boyland Street, Rm. 103 Brooklyn, NY 11212(718) 385-0323 · bk16@cb.nyc.gov
From the city’s official community board directory and the Register of Community Board Budget Requests (updated daily). Member rosters arrive when borough president appointment lists are ingested; meeting summaries arrive with the document tier.