Street vs. Street: Long Beach Neighborhood Competing To Go Greenest

In Long Beach, the streets are running green. That's because residents in the West End are facing off this month to see which block can be the most environmentally conscious.

The neighbors are facing off in the State Street Energy Independence Day Contest, sponsored by EmPower Solar and the city. Houses on the different streets were given a "menu" of energy related activities that they can choose from to earn points, which contribute to the street's overall score. The first place prize is a $2,000 grant towards the street’s annual block party. Second place is $1,000, and third place is $500. Streets can also opt to use the grant for a community project or donation to a community organization.

The activities range from simply voting for your street online and posting on social media, to signing up for New York State’s free energy audits, and completing an online solar assessment. The winner's will be announced at the city's concert on the beach on July 7.

"Long Beach is the best-positioned community in New York to achieve energy independence and directly improve air and water quality," said David Schieren CEO of SunPower by EmPower Solar. "Competitions are a fun and effective way to rapidly catalyze clean energy and energy efficiency deployment. Our entire team, including many Long Beach residents, are excited and proud to participate in this effort."

Many residents have already signed up and are hard at work in the competition. Officials say the interest has only grown since President Donald Trump announced he would pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Accords.

"This City Council has consistently made sustainability a top priority, and we are constantly looking for ways to protect the environment and promote energy efficiencies," said City Councilman Anthony Eramo. "As West End residents, my family and I will definitely be participating in this contest."

There's still time for you to get involved and help your block win. To sign up, just click here. If your block already has a captain, you can talk to them to see what you can do to help. If not, you can sign up to be a captain.

"I’ve lived here for more than seven years and it’s a very close-knit community. Neighbors here are very social and have been known to rally together for common causes," said Pennsylvania Avenue Captain Amanda Moore, owner of Wolf and Wing Interior Design, a sponsor of the competition. "My neighbors are excited to complete activities that will reduce their environmental footprint and make our community more resilient."

Photo: Google Earth