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Q&A
Inquiry about restoration of community gardens and NYC SPARKS programs
1:49:57
ยท
115 sec
Council Member Narcisse asks about the possibility of restoring the eliminated community gardens program and NYC SPARKS program. Commissioner Donoghue provides information on the cost and staffing needed to restore these programs.
- Discussion of the programs' elimination as part of the PEG (Program to Eliminate the Gap) savings
- Specific costs provided: NYC SPARKS program would require 6 positions and $350,000; community gardens program would need 2 positions and $150,000
- Mention of ongoing conversations with OMB and the mayor's office regarding agency needs
Mercedes Narcisse
1:49:57
So I'm gonna have your help on that one.
1:50:02
The question I have now in front of me.
1:50:05
The last round of PEGS included elimination of the community gardens program which was a program target targeted at high risk youth as well as the NYC SPARKS program which provided girls with engagement in STEM, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
1:50:27
These programs were never even able to begin before being cut as part of the PEG program, But hopefully, we will see these programs restore and brought back to life.
1:50:40
Have there been discussion with OMB or the mayor regarding the restoration of this program and how how much would it cost to restore this program?
1:50:54
Much additional headcount would be needed?
1:50:58
What can the council do to help your agency?
Susan Donoghue
1:51:03
Yes.
1:51:03
Thank you, council member, for the question.
1:51:06
As the budget process moves forward, we're in continuous conversations with OMB and the mayor's office regarding agency needs, and we definitely are committed, we remain committed to delivering, know, on our broader mission.
1:51:22
In terms of the, you're right, the PEG savings were enacted and we we had not hired or spent for these programs when they were eliminated.
1:51:36
In terms of the New York City Sparks program, to restore it would cost it's it's six positions and 350,000.
1:51:46
And in terms of the community gardens programs, it's two positions and a hundred and $50,000.