Westchester Reporter

New Rochelle, NY  – The City of New Rochelle is launching Climate Ready NR, an assessment of the climate vulnerabilities experienced in our community  with the goal of increasing resiliency to the hazards and detrimental impacts of climate change. 

Through the Climate Ready NR survey, the City is asking residents, business owners, and other community members to tell us how climate hazards impact them and their neighborhood on a day-to-day basis, as well as their access to services such as schools, doctors, hospitals, recreation, emergency response, jobs and more. This input will help identify strengths and gaps in existing services and create a plan to guide future actions and projects addressing these challenges, with a special focus on the City’s most vulnerable communities. The survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open through September.

 What are climate hazards and their impacts? Some examples include:

-Numerous days where temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, leading  to increased utility bills, harmful air quality, and health stresses for the elderly, children, people with asthma and heart disease, and others

-More frequent street or basement flooding that can delay emergency services or displace families from their homes

-Prolonged allergy seasons, which can increase the number of poor air quality days, hospital or doctor visits, sick days and medication usage. 

“The Climate Ready NR survey raises awareness about the negative effects of our changing climate, and is an important tool for getting meaningful, personal feedback from members of our community,” said Deputy City Manager and Development Commissioner Adam Salgado. “The information gathered will be of tremendous value as we continue to take steps to a more sustainable future.”

“The growing threat of climate change puts livelihoods and public health at risk, especially for marginalized communities who have historically borne the brunt of the climate crisis,” noted Council Member Sara Kaye. “We must recognize that to protect our community for future generations to come, the City must take action. New Rochelle residents are the ones experiencing the effects of climate change every day and by incorporating their perspective, we can build a more equitable and resilient future.”   

To take the survey in English or Spanish, please visit https://tinyurl.com/ClimateReadySurvey or stop by in person at the City’s information booth at one of the many summer events. To launch the public dialogue around Climate Ready NR, the City will host an online webinar, including “Climate Resilience 101”, on Thursday, July 13th from 7-8:30 PM. To register, please visit https://tinyurl.com/ClimateReady101.  

To stay informed with upcoming news and information about Climate Ready NR, please visit www.newrochelleny.com/GreeNR and submit your contact information. If you have questions or issues accessing the survey, please reach out to sustainability@newrochelleny.com or call 914-654-2013.

 This project has been funded in part by the Climate Smart Community Grant Program, Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

 About the City of New Rochelle

With its unparalleled location, superb quality of life, diverse and talented residents and a focused business climate, New Rochelle is experiencing the transformation of a generation. The City’s current economic development plan will provide a spark for the entire Hudson Valley region, positioning the City as “open for business” and embracing smart, transit-oriented development growth patterns that promote open space, its close proximity to New York City and opportunities for businesses to rebound, recover and succeed in the current economic climate. Accelerated by a new, fast-track zoning process along with resources for small businesses and micro-enterprises, the ongoing Master Development initiative will continue to enhance the downtown area by supporting job creation, property values and private investment – while enhancing sustainability and livability through green and energy-efficient design. For more information on why New Rochelle is ideally yours, please visit https://www.ideallynewrochelle.com.

Original source can be found here.