
The interactive storm water flood map can show New Yorkers what areas are susceptible to flooding during severe rainfall. Image credit: NYC OpenData.
On July 7, 2022, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, along with New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala, and New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol, released the Rainfall Ready NYC action plan. This plan was designed to prepare the City’s government and residents for future extreme rainfall, given current climate changes. (more…)

Governor Hochul signs legislation to improve clean energy development and efficiency. Image Credit: Office of Governor Kathy Hochul.
On July 5, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package of three bills to further New York’s goal in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and making clean energy accessible, affordable, and efficient. The bills will support the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s goal in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent come year 2030 and 85 percent come year 2050. (more…)

The new floodgate next to Asser Levy Playground. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.
The playground and basketball courts feature resilient materials and play equipment designed to withstand inclement weather. On July 18, 2022, the first part of the $1.45 billion East Side Coastal Resiliency project was completed. The East Side Coastal Resiliency project was designed to increase the resiliency and sustainability of the infrastructure along the east side coast of Manhattan to battle rising sea levels and more frequent coastal storms due to climate changes. For CityLand’s prior coverage on the East Side Coastal Resiliency project, click here. (more…)

Rendering of the new Public Health Lab. Image Credit: NYC EDC.
The new facility is expected to open in 2026. On July 6, 2022, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced that city officials broke ground on the new NYC Public Health Laboratory, located adjacent to the Harlem Hospital complex on West 137th Street in Manhattan. While the (EDC) is managing the building’s construction, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) will operate the laboratory upon its completion. (more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.
Advocates highlighted the public health and equity issues New Yorkers face when struggling to find a public restroom. On Wednesday, June 28th, the City Council’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing on a bill which would be the first step in expanding the number of available public bathrooms in New York City. The bill, Int. 258-2022, would require the Departments of Transportation and Parks to collaborate on a report identifying at least one location for a new public bathroom in each zip code. The report would be completed by June 1, 2023. The bill was introduced in April by its lead sponsor, Council Member Rita Joseph. (more…)