New Rochelle Pushes For Sustainability With GreeNR

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - Going green is nothing new for individuals, even companies. But, one city in Westchester County has a green plan for the whole city.

WCBS 880's Catherine Cioffi reports the sustainability plan, GreeNR, for New Rochelle has been approved.

"It presents a compelling vision for economic, environmental and social progress," said Noam Bramson, Mayor of New Rochelle.

WCBS 880's Catherine Cioffi gets green details from Bramson

The plan offers practical ideas for government, private businesses and residents to save money and go green, said Bramson.

All of the ideas being compiled are just suggestions and the plan is to promote "smart growth" over the next 20 years.

"We're placing driveways with permeable pavers that do not create as much runoff. Using native speices when landscaping," said Bramson. "There's unquestionably a shift towards green lifestyle."

According to the city's web site, the scope and intent of GreeNR are encapsulated in 10 large goals, to be accomplished by 2030:
(1) Reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20%;
(2) Cut non-recycled solid
waste generation by 15% and increase recycling rates to 50%;
(3) Preserve natural spaces and
restore inland water bodies;
(4) Absorb or retain 25 million gallons of flood water per storm;
(5) Decrease sewage flow by at least 2 million gallons in peak hours;
(6) Build at least 95% of new
housing near mass transit;
(7) Open at least one additional mile of the Sound shore to the public;
(8) Plant at least 10,000 new trees on public property;
(9) Create a comprehensive walking and
bicycling system;
(10) Subscribe at least half of all households to the City website.

READ: Draft of Sustainability Plan (PDF)

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