Nearly 400 new trees will be planted on and around New York City Housing Authority campuses as part of a $750,000 initiative announced by New York Attorney General Letitia James, NYCHA and Trees New York.
The two-year “Trees for NYCHA” project, launched in late 2023, aims to restore tree canopy lost to extreme weather events like Superstorm Sandy, while also offering workforce training and environmental education to public housing residents, according to a press release.
The initiative was funded by three OAG settlements: $663,738 from a 2007 Clean Air Act settlement with American Electric Power Service Corporation; $59,500 from a 2023 settlement with Reliant Transportation over unlawful bus idling; and $26,762 from a 2022 settlement with Verizon tied to the spread of Legionnaires’ disease.
“Our Trees for NYCHA project is a model of what we can do when we invest directly in our communities," said James. "With hundreds of new trees, job training for young adults, and environmental education for students, this initiative has brought real change and environmental justice to neighborhoods in New York City that are far too often left behind."
The program will plant 340 trees on NYCHA properties and 59 in adjacent communities, focusing on areas with low tree coverage. The effort includes a workforce development component through a partnership with Green City Force, training young adults from low-income communities in green job skills.
Additionally, residents and volunteers have been trained to care for the new trees, and public school students are taking part in hands-on environmental education activities tied to the program.
Nelson Villarrubia, executive director of Trees New York, said he was inspired by the project.
“The 399 newly planted trees will help reduce energy demand, mask unsightly views, muffle sound, and absorb dust, wind, and excess stormwater," he said. "Additionally, the Trees For NYCHA project showcases how large-scale tree planting projects can serve as workforce development opportunities."
