City to pursue NYSERDA natural solutions grant to address urban heat islands and tree canopy gaps

The council authorized the mayor to execute a letter of commitment supporting an application to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Natural Solutions Innovation Challenge to target urban heat island mitigation. The measure passed on a roll call vote with ayes recorded.

City staff explained the proposal will focus on neighborhoods lacking tree canopy where summer temperatures can be 5 to 7 degrees higher than tree-lined areas, with disproportionate health impacts for seniors and lower-income residents. The staff briefing noted the city previously lost a $1 million tree grant but is pursuing other funding avenues to improve canopy in affected neighborhoods such as The Heights and Fleetwood.

The council directed staff to work with a named partner to prepare the NYSERDA application and to pursue related community outreach and project reimbursement mechanisms if the application is successful.