Washington Heights
Manhattan Community Board 12
Appointed by the Manhattan Borough President, half on the recommendation of local Council members. Advisory, but the first government to hear about anything on your block.
Eleazar Bueno
chair · district manager Ebenezer Smith
Fourth Tuesday, 6:30PM
board meetings are public; anyone can speak
86
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.
Renovate or upgrade a senior centerRenovate existing or build replacement senior centers as necessary to comply with ADA and DFTA regulationsCity response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Enhance home care servicesIncrease the expansion in the program "Expanded In Home Services For Elderly Persons" (EISEP) funding to provide affordable home care including sliding scale reimbursementCity response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other capital budget request for DOEFunding to expand daycare centersCity response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other capital budget request for DEPExpedite the replacement of old water mains and sewer lines in our community.City response (Department of Environmental Protection): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Assign additional building inspectors (including expanding training programs)More DOB inspectors are needed to enforce building code/laws in CD12M residential buildings because, currently, inspectors routinely fail to appear at scheduled inspections and close 311 complaints improperly. We request a meeting with DOB in November 2025 to discuss enforcement capacity and set attainable, quantifiable goals specific to CD12M.City response (Department of Buildings): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 1Other educational programs requestsFund more workforce development programming in the district, including beyond summer monthsCity response (Department of Education): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Other capital request for DOITTSystem-wide upgrade of CB12M area to improve access to connectivity and WiFi and to include funding for free internet at Senior Centers in CB12MCity response (Dept of Information Technology & Telecommunication): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 1Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Reconstruction of the Henry Hudson Drive and Hudson River Greenway within District 12, which includes resurfacing, paving, lighting upgrades, and related infrastructure improvements to enhance safety and accessibility for all users.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Investigate noise complaints at specific locationProvide funding for more noise enforcement cameras, which should be installed in both Washington Heights and Inwood, and staff for the program, as well as for more inspectors (DEP)City response (Department of Environmental Protection): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Create or promote programs to de-stigmatize mental health needs and encourage treatmentExpand mental health services and outreach in the community, especially for older adults, youth and those whose mental health and social engagement have been adversely impacted by COVID-19City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 1Provide more programs in parks or recreational centersIncrease Parks Dept. funding to support additional programming throughout CD12 parks, playgrounds, courts: fund additional Playground Associates, Maintenance/Operations Workers, Gardeners, Forestry, & GreenThumb staff, Urban Park Rangers, Parks Enforcement Patrol, and to provide recreational, waterfront, afterschool, environmental/conservation and cultural programming for kids, teens, adults, seniCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Provide or expand community composting programsIncrease funding for education and outreach on recycling, reuse and composting as well as proper disposal of household garbage in our community (DSNY).City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other expense budget request for DOTIncrease funding for subway stations as it relates to maintenance, repairs,and cleaning, and expand staffing and customer service representatives at major hubs within District 12 M.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Provide new or upgrade existing sanitation garages or other sanitation infrastructureExpedite the construction of a new garage for District 8M and relocate its trucks from District 12M as quickly as possible to comply with the City Charter's co-terminality mandate. In addition, the MTA's Kingsbridge bus depot next door houses buses serving eight routes in The Bronx, further contributing to the increased traffic in the community.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Provide, expand, or enhance the Young Adult Internship ProgramEstablish a permaculture paid internship program in District 6City response (Department of Youth & Community Development): Agency does not support but can address the need alternatively
priority 1Show all 86 requests
Improve traffic and pedestrian safety, including traffic calmingUniversal Daylighting at every intersection and major corridors in District 12.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Provide, expand, or enhance programs for housing inspections to correct code violationsMore inspectors are needed to enforce the housing maintenance code/laws in CB12M residential buildings because, currently, inspectors routinely fail to appear at scheduled inspections and close 311 complaints improperly. We request to meet with HPD in November 2025 to discuss enforcement capacity and set attainable, quantifiable goals specific to CD12M.City response (Department of Housing Preservation & Development): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Provide, expand, or enhance food assistance, such as Food Stamps / SNAPAllocate new, dedicated funding to support those who experience the reduction or termination of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to federal budget cuts.According to Gov. Hochul's office, nearly three million individuals receive SNAP food benefits in New York State. Due to recent federal funding cuts and changes to eligibility requirements, approximately 300,000 fCity response (Human Resources Administration): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Provide new facilities such as a firehouse or EMS stationConstruct a permanent EMS Station 13 in our community. The existing site and pre-fab structure are inadequate for this vital service. (FDNY)City response (Fire Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other capital budget request for HPDIncrease the allocation of capital funds and low-income tax credits to support and/or fully fund the development of affordable housing in Washington Heights and Inwood, consistent with the planning principles outlined in the Resolution adopted by CB12M on September 26, 2023, to advance the objectives of Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine's "Housing Manhattanites" plan.City response (Department of Housing Preservation & Development): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Other capital budget request for HRAIncrease capital investment in initiatives that protect rent-stabilized tenants in CD12M's, including initiatives like the Neighborhood Pillars Program which rehabilitates rent-stabilized units and ensures they stay rent-stabilized into perpetuity. We request to meet in November 2025 to discuss current investment and set attainable, quantifiable goals to protect and grow the number of rent-stabiliCity response (Human Resources Administration): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other transit service requestsIncrease funding for subway stations as it relates to maintenance, repairs, and cleaning, and expand staffing and customer service representatives at major hubs within District 12.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Renovate or upgrade public housing developmentsAllocate capital funding for NYCHA Repair and Rehab which directly supports repairs of NYCHA's traditional public housing. This includes repairs to roofs, facades, elevators, heating plants, and security systems, as well as lead and mold remediation and apartment upgrades. Of special interest are improvements to building safety features like repairing building entrances to ensuring entrance doors City response (Housing Authority): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.Make the following subway stations fully ADA compliant: IRT (1 Train Line) stops at 168, 181, and 215; and IND (A/C Train Line) stops at 163, 168, and Dyckman.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Increase transportation services capacityIncrease funding for senior transportation programs, including the restoration of NYC Aging and NYC Council fundingCity response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Other capital budget request for DOEFunding to expand 3PK & 4PK SeatsCity response (Department of Education): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Other capital budget request for DEPInstall green infrastructure such as bioswales to divert stormwater from the sewer system and address climate change issues in our community (DEP)City response (Department of Environmental Protection): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 2Other expense budget request for DOEEstablish a permaculture paid internship program in District 6City response (Department of Education): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 2Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Gorman Park: Clean Up and Opening WalkwaysCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Clean catch basinsIncrease staff for the Bureau of Water & Sewer Operations to clean catch basins more frequentlyCity response (Department of Environmental Protection): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 2Other programs to address public health issues requestsIncrease substance abuse services in our community, including opioid overdose prevention education, and funding for syringe cleanups and collectionsCity response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 2Provide more programs in parks or recreational centersStaff a center/facility for evening & afterschool recreational/educational activities for at-risk youthCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 2Provide more frequent litter basket collectionIncrease trash basket collection on commercial streets in District 12M with a second shift so that baskets are emptied more than once daily. This could be funded through the Council's NYC Cleanup Initiative as well as the Executive Budget. (DSNY)City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Other expense budget request for DOTIncrease funding to modernize and improve communication systems between station agents and customersCity response (Department of Transportation): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 2Provide new or increase number of sanitation trucks and other equipmentProvide additional garbage collection trucks and street sweepers with snow plowsCity response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Reconstruct streetsReconstruction of W 158th St from Broadway to the Henry Hudson Pkwy, including the six-corner intersection at Riverside Drive West, Riverside Drive East, Riverside Drive, and Edward M. Morgan Place, to address traffic safety, pedestrian and bike accessibility, roadway deterioration, and inadequate drainage infrastructure through updated traffic controls, curb and roadway reconstruction and repavemCity response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support but can address the need alternatively
priority 2Provide, expand, or enhance food assistance, such as Food Stamps / SNAPIncrease funding for food assistance available to residents of CD12M, including food banks and programs like Groceries to Go and Community Food Connection.CD12M is likely to experience significant growth in the number of food-insecure households on account of recent changes to the SNAP program. Additionally, CD12M is home to many residents who are ineligible to receive assistance on account of theCity response (Human Resources Administration): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Other capital budget request for HRAMake funding available to available to residential buildings in CD12M to make building entrances accessible to wheelchair users and others with limited-mobility by installing a ramp and/or wheelchair lift. There are many residential buildings in CD12M that have elevators and units that could be suitable for wheelchair users but have steps to enter the building. HPD should fund accessibility improvCity response (Human Resources Administration): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 2Other transit service requestsIncrease funding to modernize and improve communication systems between station agents and customers.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 2Repair or upgrade subway stations or other transit infrastructureSustainability and stormwater resiliency upgrades at 157th 1 Train Station due to extreme weather events (including upgrades of drainage system, water pumps, etc.).City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 2Other expense budget request for DFTAIncrease access to healthy, culturally appropriate food for seniorsCity response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 3Other capital budget request for DOEFund a School Construction Authority tracker to provide monthly updates on the status of repairs, renovations, and all other construction of infrastructure in District 6 schools.City response (Department of Education): This request has already been completed.
priority 3Provide a new, or new expansion to, a building in a parkAdd ADA-compliant bathroom in Javits Playground, Highbridge Park by ballfields & Water Tower, and in Dyckman Ballfields, respectivelyCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Create or promote programs to de-stigmatize mental health needs and encourage treatmentProvide funding to ensure that all local public schools have multi-service health clinics with nurses and social workers (DOHMH).City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 3Enhance park safety through design interventions, e.g. better lightingEnhance park safety through design interventions, e.g., better lighting: increase funding with preference for solar lighting in CD12 parks, including greenwayCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 3Other expense budget request for DOTAllocate funding for the installation of bus stop furniture, (i.e. leaning bars), and ADA compliant seating within subway stations.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 3Other request for services to support low-income New YorkersMore CD12M-specific funding is needed to meet the demand for free legal representation in housing court through the Right to Counsel program which represents those facing eviction or in need of assistance on other housing matters like landlord failure to repair/maintain the property, health and habitability concerns, failure to comply with ADA requirements, public safety concerns (ex: brocken lockCity response (Human Resources Administration): This request has already been completed.
priority 3Other capital budget request for HRAIncrease funding and low-income tax credits to support the development of affordable housing in CD12M, consistent with the planning principles outlined in the Resolution adopted by CB12M on September 26, 2023, to advance the objectives of the Housing Manhattanites plan prepared by then-Borough President Mark Levine. Increase funding allocations and the use of subsidy, tax exemptions, and Low-IncoCity response (Human Resources Administration): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 3Other transit service requestsReal Time Transit Wayfinding Digital Signs @ bus stops in District 12.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 3Repair or upgrade subway stations or other transit infrastructureUpgrades to ventilation and air conditioning systems at 168 & 181 1 Train Stations to improve circulation during extreme heat conditions.City response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 3Other expense budget request for DFTAIncrease OTPS funding for replacement furnishings in senior centers as neededCity response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Restore Payson House and Playground & make it accessible. The house can be open as a public space for programming such as art shows, lectures, etc.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 4Other programs to address public health issues requestsIncrease services to prevent and treat chronic diseases, such as dementia, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and hypertension -- conditions that increase susceptibility to COVID-19 -- as well as long COVID, in our community (DOHMH)City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 4Provide more programs in parks or recreational centersOutdoor learning initiatives in parks, community gardens, and other green spaces.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 4Other expense budget request for DOTReal Time Transit Wayfinding Digital Signs @ bus stops in District 12City response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support but can address the need alternatively
priority 4Other request for services for vulnerable New YorkersMore CD12M-specific funding is needed to ensure that CD12M residents can access trustworthy, free or low-cost immigration legal services in a timely manner to ensure they can assert their rights and fight their deportation case. Funding would also cover legal assistance for those seeking to apply for citizenship, green cards, DACA, and other types of immigration relief.In CD12M and NYC, undocumentCity response (Human Resources Administration): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Other capital budget request for HRAIncrease funding available to non-profits, community land trusts, and land banks to build permanently affordable housing based on CD12M's AMI. Increase funding for the construction of 100% permanently affordable housing in CD12M to Non-Profits, Community Land Trusts, and Land Banks that partner with non-profit developers. Importantly, affordability determinations should be based on the average medCity response (Human Resources Administration): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 4Improve access to a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Repair badly degraded staircases in Isham ParkCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 5Provide more information and services related to STIs, HIV/AIDS, and family planningIncrease HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services, and LGBTQ services, in our communityCity response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 5Improve trash removal and cleanlinessAdd recycling collection and more trash receptacles in parks.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 5Other request for services to support low-income New YorkersMore CD12M-specific funding is needed to prevent individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness from entering the shelter system.Although the FY26 Preliminary Budget Register recommended removing this item, we include it in FY27 as a request for additional CD12M-specific funding because the district has a sizable number of households who are just one or two paychecks away from being unaCity response (Human Resources Administration): This request has already been completed.
priority 5Other capital budget request for HRAIncrease capital investment to support initiatives that provide home ownership opportunities affordable to moderate and middle income households in CD12M, including the Open Door program which builds affordable, limited-equity cooperatives and condominium buildings and the HomeFirst program which provides qualified first-time home buyers with up to $100,000 toward the down payment or closing costsCity response (Human Resources Administration): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 5Provide a new, or new expansion to, a building in a parkLighthouse Link: Rehabiliate from Little Red Lighthouse to Dyckman including fixing and/or installing new fire hydrantCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 6Animal and pest control requests including reducing rat and mosquito populationsIncrease pest control efforts to eliminate rats in our community (DOHMH)City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 6Other expense budget request for DPRAdd funding to Partnerships for Parks & City Parks Foundation to support friends-of-parks groups.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 6Other expense budget request for HRAMore CD12M-specific funding is needed to ensure that supportive housing programs in CD12M can provide social services on-site and 24 hours a day.Social services staff located on-site can more quickly provide personalized support to residents, especially in times of crisis.City response (Human Resources Administration): This request has already been completed.
priority 6Other capital budget request for HRAIncrease funding to produce more supportive housing for special needs populations in CD12M, including at-risk youth, formerly homeless individuals, and transitioning individuals and families. Ideally, this housing would offer wrap around services on-site. (See expense budget priorities.) We request to meet in November 2025 to discuss existing plans and to set attainable, quantifiable goals to expaCity response (Human Resources Administration): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 6Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Inwood Hill, Highbridge, and Fort Tryon Parks: reconstruct 60+ miles of park pathways & paving to include fixing and/or installing new fire hydrants.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 7Animal and pest control requests including reducing rat and mosquito populationsProvide funding for spay/neuter, wellness and vaccination services for pets owned by income-qualified residentsCity response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 7Other expense budget request for DPRTo hire a some one (consultant firm or surveyors ) to look over a set amount of land parcels under the over passes that were made into access roads in the robert moses era and made to be reimagined for the greater purpose of the community.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 7Other capital budget request for HRAIncrease funding for the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) and the Primary Prevention Program (PPP) for buildings in CD12M. Increase funding for the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) and the Primary Prevention Program (PPP) for code enforcement and rehabilitation of distressed buildings in CD12M. We request to meet in November 2025 to discuss and set attainable, quantifiable goals to expanCity response (Human Resources Administration): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 7Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Repair & reconstruct Ft. Tryon Park's Linden TerraceCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 8Other capital budget request for HRAIncrease funding to build or convert accessible one, two, and three bedroom rental units throughout CD12M. People with disabilities need more room, not less. Those with limited mobility may need space for medical equipment like a hoyer lift, a standing frame, and/or adaptive exercise equipment. Also, individuals residing alone may have family and/or home health care workers providing support for aCity response (Human Resources Administration): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 8Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Reconstruction of Riverside Park at the intersection of West 158th street and Riverside Drive West. (Including upgrades to stairs, ramp, lighting and basketball courts under HHP.). This section of Riverside Park is in disrepair. Even though this park is not considered part of District 12, this section is within CB12M and deserves attention.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 9Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Restore Raoul Wallenberg PlaygroundCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 10Improve access to a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Create ADA access to J. Hood Wright overlook and viewing platform,:Ft. Washington Park Inspiration Point (as well as repair steps), and Linden Terrace in Ft. Tryon ParkCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 11Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Inwood Hill Park: Ballfields 3 & 5.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 12Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Rehabilitation and conversion of the old roller hockey field into a rollerskating rink in Dyckman Fields even if via a concessionCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 13Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Rehabilitate Dyckman Softball Fields 1 & 2City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 14Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Restore Wright Brothers PlaygroundCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 15Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Repair sinkholes in Ft. Washington Park pathways from Haven Ave. and renovate Haven Avenue ramp (aka zig zag). This park pathway is heavily used by cyclists and pedestrians. It is dark and in disrepair.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 16Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Highbridge Rec Center weatherization (fix windows to retain heat/cooling)City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 17Reconstruct or upgrade a building in a parkFund water mitigation project for the historic Morris-Jummel MansionCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 18Reconstruct or upgrade a building in a parkAsbestos abatement and restoration of "Building D" in Ft. Tryon Park for security presenceCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 19Other requests for park, building, or access improvementsRenovate/repair sidewalk pavers on west side of Cabrini Blvd. (W.190 St. - Mgt. Corbin Circle) adjacent to FW & FT Parks.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 20Provide a new or expanded park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Install a new workout equipment in Inwood Hill Park to replace the existing one pull-up bar.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 21Reach the board
Official websitemeeting agendas and minutes live here
official530 West 166th Street New York, NY 10032, 6th Floor(212) 568-8500 · ebsmith@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.