Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Josiah Vega, Fellow at The High Line
2:27:12
ยท
75 sec
Josiah Vega, a resident of the Lower East Side and representative of the Highline Fellows, testified about the importance of increasing funding for New York City parks. He emphasized that parks are essential for community health, safety, and well-being, particularly for public schools that lack their own playgrounds.
- Vega argued that investing in parks leads to better air quality, reduced pollution, and improved mental health for city residents.
- He highlighted that underfunding parks has resulted in job losses, reduced maintenance, and decreased safety in green spaces.
- Vega urged the committee to increase the parks budget to ensure parks remain safe, clean, and accessible for all New Yorkers.
Josiah Vega
2:27:12
Good afternoon committee chairs.
2:27:13
My name is Josiah Vega.
2:27:14
I'm a resident of Lower East Side, and I'm here representing the Highline Fellows.
2:27:18
Parks are more than just an open space.
2:27:20
They are essential to our communities, health, and safety.
2:27:23
New York City has a chance to fund parks have been continuously underfunded for many years.
2:27:30
As a resident of the Lower East Side, I know how important parks are to our community and public schools.
2:27:36
Public schools constantly have to use public spaces because not all schools have the funding to or space to have their own playground.
2:27:44
More funding allocated to the parks budget will ensure we keep parks safe, clean, and accessible for kids and the community.
2:27:50
Parks provide a peaceful environment that supports mental well beings, offering people a place to relax and enjoy ourselves.
2:27:56
Green spaces also provide better air quality and reduce pollution, making our city healthier for everyone.
2:28:02
Investing in parks is not just about investing in its beauty, it's about making our city healthier, safer, and stronger for everyone.
2:28:08
Underfunding parks has led to people losing their jobs, less maintenance on parks, and has even impacted the quality and safety of green spaces.
2:28:16
Investing in our parks is investing in well-being of New Yorkers.
2:28:19
I urge the committee to increase the parks budget for parks to ensure we can keep our parks safe, clean, and accessible for everyone.
2:28:25
Thank you for hearing my testimony.