New York City public housing campuses are set to benefit from a $750,000 project aimed at increasing tree canopy cover and providing workforce development opportunities. The initiative, known as Trees for NYCHA, was announced by New York Attorney General Letitia James in collaboration with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and Trees New York. The project, which began in late 2023, focuses on planting new trees, restoring areas affected by extreme weather, and offering environmental education to residents.
The funding for the project was secured through settlements negotiated by the Office of the Attorney General, including funds from polluters such as American Electric Power Service Corporation, Reliant Transportation, and Verizon. The project emphasizes community involvement by allowing direct input from NYCHA tenants and engaging residents in the tree planting efforts.
"Our Trees for NYCHA project is a model of what we can do when we invest directly in our communities,” said Attorney General James. The initiative also aims to provide job training and environmental education, particularly for young adults and students in New York City communities.
NYCHA aims to address areas with low tree cover, as many of these have experienced severe damage from weather events like Superstorm Sandy. According to NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt, the project not only enriches natural canopy areas but also invests in residents through workforce development programs and environmental training.
Trees New York has highlighted the environmental benefits that will stem from the nearly 400 new trees planted. Executive Director Nelson Villarrubia noted that the trees will contribute to reducing energy demand and improving the living environment for residents while also serving as a workforce development opportunity.
The broader project includes four key components: tree planting, workforce development, tree stewardship, and youth environmental education. As NYCHA is the largest public housing authority in the United States, housing a significant portion of New Yorkers, it seeks to integrate these elements across its 2,400 acres of open space.
The project coordination was managed by the Environmental Protection Bureau under Attorney General James's office, setting a collaborative model for future initiatives within urban housing environments.