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Climate Smart Communities Certification Report

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bronze Certified

This is the Climate Smart Communities Certification Report of New Rochelle, City (Westchester). New Rochelle, City (Westchester) is a bronze certified Climate Smart Community.

New Rochelle, City (Westchester) was certified on October 02, 2023 with 245 points earned from 34 completed actions. Listed below is information regarding New Rochelle, City (Westchester)’s Climate Smart Communities efforts and materials associated with its certified actions.

The certification for New Rochelle, City (Westchester) will expire on September 30, 2028.

Contact Information

The designated Climate Smart Communities contact for New Rochelle, City (Westchester) is:

Name:Nicholas Sioufas
Title/Position:Sustainability Coordinator / Development
Address:515 North Avenue
Rochelle, NY 10801

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which New Rochelle, City (Westchester) was approved for in 2023 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • 1. Build a climate-smart community.

    1.1 Pass a Resolution Adopting the CSC Pledge

    4 Points

    Program Summary:

    PE1 Action: CSC Task Force

    20 Points
    Bronze Mandatory Silver Mandatory

    Program Summary: In April 2022, the City of New Rochelle established a Climate Smart Communities Task Force (CSC TF). Specifically, the City designated the existing Ecology & Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ENRAC) as the CSC TF. The Task Force is charged with the following: · serving as the central body of leadership to promote and support climate mitigation and adaption in the City; · Foster community support for, knowledge of, and involvement in green initiatives related to the topics such as, but are not limited to, natural resource management, urban forestry, open space protection, native and invasive species, water quality, green infrastructure, local agriculture, fisheries, wetlands, and marshlands; · Promote the implementation of relevant portions of GreeNR, New Rochelle’s Sustainability Plan; · Review GreeNR in concert with City staff and recommend updates or amendments to the Plan as Needed; · Assist in researching and securing public and private grants or other revenue streams related to the topics noted above; · Assist in researching and inventorying natural resources of New Rochelle. The CSC Task Force is comprised of the 15 official ENRAC volunteer members, along with the City Council Liaison, the CSC Coordinator, and the City Manager or their designees. List of volunteer resident members: Paul Présendieu (Chair), Jeff Apotheker; Miriam O'Malley-Dias; Rand Manasse; Jessica Schuler; Marilyn Brown; Justine McClellan; Nancy Street; Alan Greenburg; Jayne Peister; Raya Salter; Millie Magraw; Alex Alvarez; Tom Constabile; Lisa Owen List of other members: Sara Kaye (Council Member & Liaison); Nicholas Sioufas (Sustainability & Climate Smart Coordinator), Kevin Kain (Director of Planning & Sustainability); and Carol Samol (Deputy Commissioner of Development) Attached is documentation includes: (1) resolution creating the Ecology and Natural Resource Advisory Committee (ENRAC) in 2019; (2) An updated rooster of ENRAC membership; (3) two meeting agenda / meeting minutes, including attendance; (4) an April 2022 resolution designating ENRAC as the Climate Smart Community Task Force.

    PE1 Action: CSC Coordinator

    10 Points
    Bronze Mandatory Silver Mandatory

    Program Summary: In April 2022, the City of New Rochelle City Council designated the Sustainability Coordinator, Nicholas Sioufas, as the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Coordinator. The CSC Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the activities of the CSC Task Force, serves as a point of contact for the CSC Program, and facilitates climate mitigation and adaptation activities and reporting, among other duties and responsibilities as Sustainability Coordinator. Attached is the Sustainability Coordinator position description and resolution, the climate emergency resolution setting policy for the Sustainability Coordinator position, the 2021 resolution creating the sustainability coordinator position, the 2022 resolution designating the Sustainability Coordinator as the CSC Coordinator, the 2022 CSC Task Force Rooster, and meeting minutes with the CSC Coordinator present.

    PE1 Action: National/Regional Climate Program

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The City of New Rochelle has participated in NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities, completing several high-impact actions in partnership with Sustainable Westchester. Please take a look at our Clean Energy Community Scorecard to see all the high impact actions we have completed.

  • 2. Inventory emissions, set goals, and plan for climate action.

    PE2 Action: Community GHG Inventory

    16 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: New Rochelle has completed a community GHGI for 2018, 2019 and 2020. The GHGI for 2018, 2019 and 2020 targets the 3 most significant sectors for the City: the Residential/Commercial/Municipal Energy Consumption, Transportation, and Waste sectors. The inventories calculated emissions on a scope 1, consumption‐based approach (i.e. the use of electricity in any household or business will be associated with its indirect emissions even though the power is not produced within the City) as well as scope 2 and 3, lifecycle emissions (emissions associated with upstream activity, including fuel extraction or production, processing and transport). The City of New Rochelle is estimated to have reduced emissions from 1.3 million to 0.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mt CO2e) emissions between 2018 to 2020, or approximately 13.0 to 8.8 mt CO2e per year per resident. This is comparable to the per capita emissions of similarly-sized municipalities within the Northeastern Region, and below the statewide per capita emissions for New York State (approximately 10.5 metric tons of CO2e per year per resident.) The 2019/2020 GHGI Council presentation can be viewed here: https://www.newrochelleny.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3360 A copy of the reports can be found online here: https://www.newrochelleny.com/1780/New-Rochelle-Greenhouse-Gas-Inventories

  • 3. Decrease energy use.

    PE3 Action: Government Building Energy Audits

    8 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Willdan Energy Solutions (Willdan) conducted an energy audit of the New Rochelle Police Department located at 475 North Avenue in New Rochelle, a municipal-owned building representing 19.9% of the municipal-owned square footage. Supporting documentation includes the Wildan energy audit Report and building roster and square footage.

    PE3 Action: Benchmarking - Municipal Buildings

    2 Points

    Program Summary: April 2023, New Rochelle City Council passed a resolution establishing energy benchmarking requirements for certain municipal buildings. Resolution is available here: https://www.newrochelleny.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1906

    PE3 Action: Advanced Vehicles

    2 Points

    Program Summary: In 2015, New Rochelle jump started its clean fleet transition with the addition of four electric vehicles. In 2017, New Rochelle completed NYSERDA’s CEC Clean Fleets High Impact Action by purchasing four Nissan Leafs. In 2022, the New Rochelle Police Department unveiled four new hybrid police cruisers.

    PE3 Action: LED Street Lights

    12 Points

    Program Summary: In 2016, New Rochelle completed this NYSERDA CEC High Impact Action for Cobra Head Fixtures. In 2018, New Rochelle completed this NYSERDA CEC High Impact Action for Decorative Fixtures.

    PE3 Action: Energy Code Enforcement Training

    5 Points

    Program Summary: City of New Rochelle Building Commissioner took part in this training on November 2021. Attached are two documents, both email verifications that City of New Rochelle Building Official, Paul Vacca, attended and completed the Energy Code Enforcement training in Goshen, NY on 10/07/2021.

  • 5. Use climate-smart materials management.

    PE5 Action: Reuse Programs

    1 Points

    Program Summary: Small scale – May 6, 2023 from 11am to 4pm the City of New Rochelle hosted its inaugural community tag sale / reuse event, TagNR, where New Rochelle residents are invited to bring their gently-used clothing, household items, electronics, toys, books and sporting goods. https://www.newrochelleny.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3365 https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr3yNKeKA9H/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CrlLfEqtBJh/ Watch a short video here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsCXI96g9NP/

    PE5 Action: Waste Reduction Education Campaign

    2 Points

    Program Summary: New Rochelle has conducted and continues to conduct several waste reduction campagins. These include: (1) the Recycle Right App; (2) the DPW annual guidance book; (3) the Love Em and Leave Em leaf mulching campaign and online resource; (4) Yard Waste Does and Don'ts; and (5) proper Christmas tree disposal (pg. 6 DPW guide). See the attached document "Waste Reduction Education Campaign Overview of Activities" with links to supporting documentation.

    PE5 Action: Residential Organic Waste Program

    4 Points

    Program Summary: New Rochelle has an established community-wide curbside pick-up yard waste program that includes pick-up weekly from April 3, 2023 to October 27, 2023. This is described on page 6 of the DPW guide and online at https://www.newrochelleny.com/753/Yard-Waste-Recycling

  • 6. Implement climate-smart land use.

    PE6 Action: Comprehensive Plan with Sustainability Elements

    18 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: In 2016, the City of New Rochelle partnered with the PACE Land Use Law Center and consulting firms, BFJ, Stantec and Urbanomics, to complete the City’s Comprehensive Plan update, EnvisioNR (“Envision New Rochelle”) with Sustainability elements. Attached are: two resolutions adopting the 2016 EnvisioNR comprehensive plan and associated Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement; and a memo delineating the pages of the plan that cover sustainability elements and associated point requirements. A link to the plan can be found here: https://www.newrochelleny.com/944/EnvisioNR

    PE6 Action: Smart Growth Policies

    8 Points

    Program Summary: Following the 2015 adoption of the Downtown Overlay Zone to promote mixed-use development in proximity to its transit center, the city saw high levels of development and updated the overlay zone again in December of 2021 to sustain the rate of growth downtown with further sustainability considerations. The overlay zones promote are consistent with and supportive of a climate action strategy of mitigation and adaptation. The strategy includes requirements for disclosure on emissions, sustainability actions which equate to a LEED Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) designation of Silver, and regulations specifically focused on water conservation and heat island effect reductions. Notably, New Rochelle’s downtown overlay zones make development decisions predictable, fair and cost-effective through the use of the Theoretical Development Scenario (TDS) which allows for developers that propose projects under the caps set forth in the TDS to benefit from the need for limited supplemental environmental review. Another component of the overlay zones is the establishment of Community Benefits Bonus (CBB) program which was adopted in alignment with the goals and vision of the comprehensive plan and related smart growth policies. Importantly, the CBB fosters a distinctive and attractive community with a strong sense of place through its support of bonus categories, such as Historic Preservation, Arts & Cultural Space, Green, Climate Resiliency, Open Space, Transit & Parking, Community Facility, etc. The significance of New Rochelle’s smart growth policies culminated in 2018 when the City was selected as one of 10 communities to receive $10 million through the third round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). Throughout the DRI process, the City of New Rochelle, the Local Planning Committee (LPC), and the public collaborated to identify, refine, and finalize a list of projects to propose for DRI funding. Through the 2019 Downtown Revitalization Initiative Strategic Investment Plan, New Rochelle’s smart growth policies are sustained. Through continued public collaboration, including through the use of Virtual Reality, New Rochelle engages public stakeholders to help shape projects such as The LINC, a proposed linear park and a central component to New Rochelle’s DRI. 2015 DOZ Adoption-https://www.newrochelleny.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/860 2021 DOZ Amendment, https://www.newrochelleny.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1702 DRI Plan https://www.ny.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/New_Rochelle_DRI_Plan.pdf EngageNR LINC https://engagenr.com/thelinc/ New Rochelle's transit-oriented development and smart growth policies are also expressed in the GreeNR Sustainability Plan (pages 15-16, 77-107, 136), the Transit-Oriented Development Smart Growth Study (https://www.newrochelleny.com/DocumentCenter/View/3456/TOD-study?bidId=), the EnvisioNR Comprehensive Plan (pages 11, 16, 22-23, 26-27, 30, 47, 71, 78, 85, 88, 133), and the Alternative Futures for New Rochelle: The Next Generation Live/Work City (https://www.lulu.com/shop/urban-design-lab/alternative-futures-for-new-rochelle/ebook/product-21958564.html?page=1&pageSize=4). See attached memo with the page number indicated for each element addressed in the associated planning documents.

    PE6 Action: NYStretch Energy Code

    10 Points

    Program Summary: April 2021, New Rochelle adopted the NYStretch Energy Code. https://www.newrochelleny.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1592 https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/city-of-new-rochelle-resolutions-48-and-49-of-2021-combined-pdf.pdf Attached is the NYSERDA Scorecard indicating NYSERDA acceptance of the NYStretch adoption. Also attached are the resolutions adopting NYStretch and designating the Buildings Official to oversee implementation.

    PE6 Action: Policies for Local Food Systems

    3 Points

    Program Summary: New Rochelle’s Downtown Overlay Zone (DOZ) includes considerations for “Urban Agriculture” (including community gardens, rooftop gardens and greenhouses and aquaculture). Section 331 Part 175.11 permits urban agriculture in the DOZ as a light industrial use. Also, part 175.11G(2) permits a Height Exception for greenhouses and urban agriculture structures. see https://ecode360.com/NE0964/laws/LF895653.pdf Since 2009, New Rochelle has permitted Down to Earth Markets to operate a farmer’s market. See more here: https://downtoearthmarkets.com/markets?region=Westchester&market=New+Rochelle+2023 After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, the downtown New Rochelle Farmer's Market, hosted by the Business Improvement District, is back at Anderson Plaza every Sunday at 9am to 2pm from June to October 2023. https://newrochellefarmersmarket.com/ New Rochelle also permits pop-up Farmer’s Markets at various events, such as the holiday market and Earth Day festivals. At the 2023 Earth Day event, New Rochelle hosted three community gardens and two pop-up/mobile farmers markets that marketed their organizations and services to the public. https://www.newrochelleny.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=5491 https://www.newrochelleny.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3377 https://www.bloomhealthy.org/blogs/bloom-healthy-blog/shop-with-us-at-the-holiday-market-in-new-rochelle https://www.lohud.com/story/life/food/restaurants/2021/07/15/new-rochelle-bloom-healthy-pop-up-grocery-helps-those-who-food-insecure/7937848002/ Lastly, New Rochelle has two nonprofit community gardens that operate in partnership with the Parks & Recreation Department. grow! Lincoln Park Community Garden is located at Lincoln Park (operated by the Lincoln Park Conservancy), and Ward Acres Community Garden is located at Ward Acres Park (operated by the Ward Acres Conservancy) https://www.facebook.com/growlincolnpark/ https://www.facebook.com/wardacresgarden/ https://www.wardacresconservancy.org/

    PE6 Action: Green Parking Lot Policies

    3 Points

    Program Summary: 3 points In December 2015, New Rochelle adopted the Downtown Overlay Zone and amended its requirements related to parking and loading dock requirements. Included in this ordinance are: 1. Approval of shared parking is permitted; 2. Reduction is parking space requirements depending on use and facility amenities; 3. In-lieu parking fees provide developers the option to reduce the required number of off-street parking spaces within the downtown overlay zone if the project is located within the Central Parking Area (near regional transit) https://www.newrochelleny.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/860

    PE6 Action: Planning for Biking and Walking

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Attached documentation includes: (1) 2012 complete streets policy; (2) 2017 Complete Streets Study and Design; (3) Downtown Revitilization Initiative, the LINC and other associated biking and walking planning initiatives, such as the Quaker Ridge Rd complete streets plan and The DEC's Complete Streets Phase IV grant confirmation. Also, see: (1) the GreeNR Sustainability Plan (page 136); (2) the Transit-Oriented Development Smart Growth Study (https://www.newrochelleny.com/DocumentCenter/View/3456/TOD-study?bidId=); and (3) the EnvisioNR Comprehensive Plan (page 11, 27, 47, 71, 78, 88, 133-143) include planning for biking and walking.

    PE6 Action: Infrastructure for Biking and Walking

    5 Points

    Program Summary: In 2021, New Rochelle partnered with Veoride to provide bike and e-scooter services (see: https://www.veoride.com/new-rochelle/; https://westfaironline.com/transportation/new-rochelle-launches-veoride-bike-and-e-scooter-share-program/; https://talkofthesound.com/2021/06/11/new-rochelle-veoride-launch-new-bike-share-e-scooter-system/) The New Rochelle Police Department participated in the Governors Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, a two-week education and enforcement period targeting the critical issue of pedestrian crashes, including increasing awareness. As part of the campaign, pedestrian safety information and signage were displayed on the City's street kiosks.

    PE6 Action: Alternative-fuel Infrastructure

    18 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: 18 points (7 or more EV charging stations + 1 or more are public use) New Rochelle has several EV chargers installed under public management at public facilities for both public and municipal fleet use. Below is a list of existing city-owned chargers: (documentation includes photos attached) 2 municipal fleet chargers at City Hall 2 public chargers on Hamilton Avenue 2 Public Chargers at the Intermodal Transportation Center near the train station 4 chargers at the New Roc Parking Garage, in addition to the Tesla and EVgo chargers May 10, 2023, New Rochelle opened a new multi-level parking garage at 25 Maple Avenue as part of its ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown area. The new construction provides 200 municipal parking spaces, including 20 EV charging stations for hybrid and fully electric vehicles. https://talkofthesound.com/2023/05/19/new-rochelle-unveils-new-parking-garage-in-downtown-revitalization-effort/ This webpage lists EV charging stations in New Rochelle: https://www.newrochelleny.com/1535/Electric-Vehicle-Charge-Stations

    PE6 Action: Access to Public Transit

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Since 2019, the City of New Rochelle has partnered with Circuit to provide a 100% electric micro-transit solution for residents and visitors. For zero cost, Circuit takes riders anywhere within the coverage area zone through our on-demand app or by waving down a driver, including to the train station (servicing Metro North & Amtrak) and intermodal transportation center (servicing county Beeline buses and car rental/sharing). Since 2019, Circuit NR has been providing the service in downtown New Rochelle, which is in the middle of a game-changing redevelopment with over 30 construction projects across 12 million square feet of prime downtown real estate. Over 60,000 vehicle miles have been saved through its 50,000+ trips to date, and no gasoline has been used. In addition to reducing emissions, Circuit trips lead to less idling and additional convenience. (read more here: https://www.newrochelleny.com/circuitnr) During the height of the pandemic, Circuit also worked with the City, 511NYRideshare and Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital to develop a shuttle service with an expanded coverage area to carry visiting healthcare workers between the hospital and their hotel before and after their shifts, highlighting the adaptability of the service. Circuit NR recently received the Clean Air NY Champions Award from the New York State Department of Transportation for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create more sustainable, livable cities. https://www.newrochelleny.com/circuitnr https://www.ridecircuit.com/new-rochelle https://patch.com/new-york/newrochelle/new-rochelle-uses-cares-act-funds-expand-free-circuit-shuttle https://patch.com/new-york/newrochelle/new-rochelle-launches-demand-electric-shuttle-service New Rochelle also provides transit information via the RIDE GreeNR resource webpage: https://www.newrochelleny.com/1209/Transportation-Mobility. In collaboration with NYSDOT's 511NY Rideshare, New Rochelle offers carpooling and transit vouchers and resources that are free of charge to residents and businesses (resource page: https://511nyrideshare.org/web/newrochelle/home). Additionally, New Rochelle's transit-oriented development, expressed in the GreeNR Sustainability Plan (page 136), the Transit-Oriented Development Smart Growth Study (https://www.newrochelleny.com/DocumentCenter/View/3456/TOD-study?bidId=), and the EnvisioNR Comprehensive Plan (page 11, 27, 47, 71, 78, 88) continue to result in enhanced commuter resources that allow better access to the train station. for example, at the Intermodal Transportation Center, commuters can access car-sharing services, VeoRide Bike and Scooter Share services (https://www.veoride.com/new-rochelle/), Westchester County Beeline Buses, MetroNorth, Amtrak, and park their vehicles or bicycles.

    PE6 Action: Local Forestry Program

    3 Points

    Program Summary: 3 points (participate in Tree City USA, participate in one of the state’s forestry programs (ReLeaf R2) The City of New Rochelle has participated in the Tree City USA program for 31 years. IN 2021, the City received a growth award for recognizing numerous actions taken by the city to conserve and promote urban forests. Attached the latest Arbor Day proclamation and Tree City USA certification. Also, here’s a link to the City’s 2023 Arbor Day Tree Planting celebration: https://www.newrochelleny.com/civicalerts.aspx?AID=3380 https://www.instagram.com/p/CrmFjUFuMX9/ New Rochelle is a participant in NYSDEC’s ReLeaf Region 2 programming, including having the City’s Sustainability Coordinator attend the December 2, 2022 meeting at Lasdon Arboretum in Katonah, NY. https://nysufc.org/releaf-region-3-gathering-at-lasdon-arboretum-a-rousing-success/2022/12/09/ Attached is documentation showing: (1) New Rochelle's 2021 participation as a Tree City USA (the City's 30th anniversary as a TC); (2) New Rochelle's 2021 Tree City USA growth award; and (3) New Rochelle's (Nick Sioufas - Sustainability Coordinator) participation in ReLeaf NY Region 3 (i.e., June 3rd meeting minutes).

  • 7. Enhance community resilience to climate change.

    PE7 Action: Green Infrastructure

    2 Points

    Program Summary: In 2018, New Rochelle utilized Long Island Sound Futures Fund grant funding to hire Mott MacDonald to perform a green infrastructure (GI) plan. The GI plan identified GI opportunities and recommended GI implementation. You can view the plan here: https://www.newrochelleny.com/DocumentCenter/View/12627/New-Rochelle-GI-Full-Report_JKR_December-13-2018_FINAL

    PE7 Action: Water Conservation & Reuse

    2 Points

    Program Summary: December 2021 New Rochelle adopted an update to its Downtown Overlay Zone and the Sustainable Development Standards, including mandating the use of WaterSense high-efficiency indoor water fixtures, which in turn will reduce wastewater generation rates and is expected to decrease the projected wastewater generation below the 2021 TDS estimates. 2021 Amendment, https://www.newrochelleny.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1702

  • 8. Support a green innovation economy.

    PE8 Action: Green Jobs Training

    3 Points

    Program Summary: In 2021, New Rochelle hired a full-time Sustainability Coordinator. In 2022, New Rochelle established the Eco-Ambassador’s as part of the Youth Bureau’s summer employment “Learn to Earn” program for 14- to 19-year-old New Rochelle residents. As part of the program, 8 students participated in a 5-week program which included surveying the Sound Shore’s marine and tidal biodiversity, studying nature-based shorelines, and taking field trips to local ecology programs, such as the NYC Harbor School. To cap off the 2022 session, five of the students presented their summer projects and its findings to City Staff. You can read more about the program here: https://www.newrochelleny.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3271 In 2023, New Rochelle entered into an agreement with Soulful Synergy, a local vocational training services provider that specializes in clean energy workforce training—receiving $1.65 million in program funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and NYSERDA. https://www.newrochelleny.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1883 https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230329005389/en/Soulful-Synergy-Secures-1.65-Million-in-Program-Funding-to-Provide-Free-Clean-Energy-Workforce-Training-for-Low-Income-Communities

    PE8 Action: Farmers’ Markets

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Since 2009, New Rochelle has permitted Down to Earth Markets to operate a farmer’s market. As in 2022 and previous years, in 2023 Down to Earth Markets is scheduled to host 21 market days from 06/02/23 - 10/27/23. See more here: https://downtoearthmarkets.com/markets?region=Westchester&market=New+Rochelle+2023 New Rochelle permits pop-up Farmer’s Markets at various events, such as the holiday market and Earth Day festivals. At the 2023 Earth Day event, New Rochelle hosted three community gardens and two pop-up/mobile farmers markets who marketed their organizations and services to the public. https://www.newrochelleny.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=5491 https://www.newrochelleny.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3377 https://www.bloomhealthy.org/blogs/bloom-healthy-blog/shop-with-us-at-the-holiday-market-in-new-rochelle https://www.lohud.com/story/life/food/restaurants/2021/07/15/new-rochelle-bloom-healthy-pop-up-grocery-helps-those-who-food-insecure/7937848002/ After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, the downtown New Rochelle Farmer's Market, hosted by the Business Improvement District, is back at Anderson Plaza every Sunday at 9am to 2pm from June to October 2023. https://newrochellefarmersmarket.com/

    PE8 Action: Brownfield Clean-up & Redevelopment

    11 Points

    Program Summary: 13 Points total: 1 - Update an existing master plan or comprehensive plan to prioritize brownfield redevelopment. 2 - Utilize green redevelopment (e.g., LEED) 2 / each (up to 5 projects or 10 points) - Provide a Certificate of Completion from DEC to show that a site has been cleaned up. See Comprehensive Plan – page 79 and 155 identify brownfield redevelopment as a priority See comp plan https://www.newrochelleny.com/DocumentCenter/View/6016/Adopted-Comprehensive-Plan-1717?bidId= Certificates of Completion Overview & Links: 1. 387 Huguenot Street in the City of New Rochelle, Westchester County https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C360157/Fact%20Sheet.BCP.C360157.2022-01-05.Factsheet.BCP.C360157.2022-01-05.COC_Issuance.pdf 2. Centre Avenue Development – South https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C360182/Certificate%20of%20Completion.BCP.C360182.2021-12-27.Executed%20COC%20Package.pdf 3. Flamingo Cleaners https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C360078/Certificate%20of%20Completion.BCP.C360078.2016-12-20.Flamingo%20Cleaners.pdf 4. 500 Main St https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C360199/Certificate%20of%20Completion.BCP.C360199.2022-12-30.Executed%20COC%20Package%20.pdf 5. Church-Division St, Tower A https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C360187/Certificate%20of%20Completion.BCP.C360187.2020-12-15.Executed%20COC%20Package%20.pdf 6. 28 South Division St https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C360198/Certificate%20of%20Completion.BCP.C360198.2022-12-23.Executed%20COC%20Package%20.pdf

    PE8 Action: PACE Financing

    15 Points

    Program Summary: 15 Points total 7 - Open C-PACE Authorization 8 – C-PACE Projects Since 2013, the City of New Rochelle has been a municipal members of the NYS Energy Improvement Corporation (EIC) and its Commercial PACE financing program, codified as the NY Sustainable Energy Loan Program under Chapter 284 of the City’s Code. In 2021, New Rochelle received NYSERDA CEC approval and points for this C-PACE authorization. See attached resolution and NYSERDA CEC scorecard. Here’s a link to EIC participating municipalities: https://www.eicpace.org/_files/ugd/1b6741_af4bddf05a5a44d8a684642c4f162080.pdf?index=true In 2023, EIC announced the first Open C-PACE project in New Rochelle financed by Enhanced Capital for a project a 313 Huguenot Street. The construction this new energy efficient mixed-used multifamily building utilized $31,212,346 in PACE financing, saving an estimated 2,676 metric tons of CO2 emissions over the lifetime of the project. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7056250031787405312/

    PE8 Action: Community Choice Aggregation

    21 Points

    Program Summary: Points – 21 Total CCA population 40,000 or more In 2016, New Rochelle originally enabled participation in Sustainable Westchester’s Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program, Westchester Power, and authorized opt-out participation for the 100% renewable energy default CCA supply (est. population 81K+ as of 2020. Est. 79K+ as of 2010). In 2021, New Rochelle renewed its participation in the CCA program, choosing 100% renewable as the default energy supply for the City’s residents. In 2022, New Rochelle authorized expanded participation through the CCA program for opt-out Solar Credit Offering. New Rochelle’s CCA participation is codified under Chapter 131 of the City Code. 2015 Resolution https://www.newrochelleny.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/853 2021 Resolution https://www.newrochelleny.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1787

    PE8 Action: Community Campaigns

    9 Points

    Program Summary: Pursuant to NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities program, the City of New Rochelle has completed three community campaigns listed below: July 5, 2022 – Clean Heating & Cooling September 17, 2021 – Community Solar June 22, 2021 – Demand Response

  • 9. Inform and inspire the public.

    PE9 Action: Climate Change Education & Engagement

    8 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Points – 8 total 4 - Engagement strategy/activities for climate change mitigation 4 - Engagement strategy/activities for climate change adaptation Through an Environmental Education and Community Outreach partnership with Sustainable Westchester, New Rochelle informs and engages residents and businesses regarding the benefits of energy efficiency, renewable energy and other sustainability related initiatives. This includes promoting programs, such as Grid Rewards, community outreach and more which mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, along with adapting households, businesses and residents to climate action through weatherization, and supporting City-led initiatives, such as the ongoing Climate Vulnerability Assessment, Climate Ready NR. This climate education and outreach partnership builds upon the strategic outreach plan delineated by the 2022 proposal and scope of services in the 2022 and 2023 agreements and invoices. This partnership builds upon the past success of community campaigns molded under the NYSERDA CEC program.

    PE9 Action: Local Climate Action Website

    3 Points

    Program Summary: https://www.newrochelleny.com/GreeNR is home to New Rochelle's sustainability and climate action webpage materials. Here, you'll find an overview of the City's Sustainability Plan with links to goals and associated planning (https://www.newrochelleny.com/346/Sustainability), plus Green News, Events, and Quick Links. There are also links to the ongoing Climate Vulnerability Assessment ("Climate Ready NR") project (https://www.newrochelleny.com/1779/ClimateReadyNR), greenhouse gas inventories, sustainability/community resources, and more.

    PE9 Action: Social Media

    3 Points

    Program Summary: New Rochelle's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/newrochelleny/?hl=en) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CityofNewRochelle/) pages ae regularly utilized to support climate and sustainability initiatives. The attached documents contain links to social media posts on Facebook that support and promote GreeNR sustainability initiatives. https://www.instagram.com/p/CuFlMIZOY9j/?igshid=ZmZiYTY5ZDNhOA==

Climate Smart Communities