First Earth Day Rally And Environmental Justice Walking Tour Saturday

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Environmental justice activists will be holding their first Earth Day Rally and Walking Tour in New Rochelle this Saturday, at 3 p.m.

The walk begins on the corner of Echo Ave. and Huguenot St. in New Rochelle.

This action is part of the continued effort to stop drive-thru businesses being placed near any residential housing. The organizers believe that the City Council's June 2021 special zoning resolution to allow a drive-thru Starbucks adjacent to residential housing should be rescinded.

SEE ALSO:

• 'Environmental Racism Tour' Puts Spotlight On Planned Drive-Thru
• Environmental And Racial Concerns Raised Over Starbucks Plan

"Environmental justice must be at the heart of New Rochelle’s development- this means that community members must be at the heart of the City’s decision making," Energy Justice Law and Policy Center founder Raya Salter said. "We can only craft a just path forward when we understand the history of environmental racism."

The organizers contend the "joyful, family-friendly rally and walking tour" will lift up environmental justice issues of the past and present in New Rochelle. At the rally and throughout the tour, speakers will share information about environmental justice and available tools and resources which can help residents advocate to undo the harm past and present.

Participants in the walking tour will learn about the environmental history of the area and how discriminatory planning decisions of the past created the inequities of today. The history of the pre-revolutionary war African American community of Pugsley Hollow and how it was subjected to numerous environmental hazards before being demolished to make way for I-95 and the commercial district will be addressed. The tour will also stop at the site where the gas tanks to light up New Rochelle's first streetlights were buried. Using historical maps and photos, participants will learn how redlining, zoning and urban renewal destroyed a community.

Participants will also learn about how recent zoning and planning department initiatives threaten the health of residents at the New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority's Bracey Houses on Main Street and those in supportive housing on Fountain Place.

The day’s events will also include an Earth Day poster contest. Children of all ages are invited to bring an Earth Day poster to the rally. The theme of this year's poster contest is "Everyone has the right to clean air, water and energy." There will be on-site judges who will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes. Small earth-friendly prizes will be given to children and students who participate in the rally and tour. Be sure to sign up to let the organizers know you are attending with children who are bringing posters.

Everyone who believes in environmental justice is welcome to attend. Signing up is not required but advance registration would help with preparations.

The sponsor of the 2022 New Rochelle Earth Day Environmental Justice Rally and Walking Tour is New Rochelle Against Racism (NewRoAR). Co-sponsors include: CURE (The Coalition for Understanding Racism Through Education), Energy Justice Law and Policy Center, Indivisible New Rochelle, Soulful Synergy, Glenwood Lake Association, Zonta Club of New Rochelle and the New Rochelle High School Green Club.

For more information, visit the website or send an email.

SEE ALSO:

• New Rochelle Officially Declares Climate Emergency
• Oil Company Settles With Feds Over Environmental Racism Charges
• 'Third World Conditions' Found by Environmentalist On Sewer Tour