Take The Survey And Help New Rochelle Navigate Climate Change

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The signs of climate change are becoming more and more apparent. If you live or work in the City of New Rochelle, officials wants to know how climate change has affected you personally.

New Rochelle has launched "Climate Ready NR" to assess the climate vulnerabilities experienced by residents with the stated goal of increasing resiliency to the hazards and impacts of climate change.

The city is asking residents and business owners and workers to let officials know how climate hazards impact them and their neighborhood on a day-to-day basis. The survey will examine access to services such as schools, doctors, hospitals, recreation, emergency response and employment.

Officials said the responses will identify strengths and gaps in existing services and help create a plan to guide future actions and projects to address the challenges with a special focus on the city’s most vulnerable communities.

"The Climate Ready NR survey raises awareness about the negative effects of our changing climate, and is an important tool for getting meaningful, personal feedback from members of our community," Deputy City Manager and Development Commissioner Adam Salgado explained. "The information gathered will be of tremendous value as we continue to take steps to a more sustainable future."

The survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open through September.

Officials said some climate hazards and their impacts are easy to see, while others are more insidious. Some examples cited include:

• Numerous days where temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to increased utility bills, harmful air quality, and health stresses for the elderly, children, people with asthma and heart disease, and others.
• More frequent street or basement flooding that can delay emergency services or displace families from their homes.
• Prolonged allergy seasons, which can increase the number of poor air quality days, hospital or doctor visits, sick days and medication usage.

"The growing threat of climate change puts livelihoods and public health at risk, especially for marginalized communities who have historically borne the brunt of the climate crisis," Council Member Sara Kaye said. "We must recognize that to protect our community for future generations to come, the City must take action. New Rochelle residents are the ones experiencing the effects of climate change every day and by incorporating their perspective, we can build a more equitable and resilient future."

To take the survey in English or Spanish, just visit the survey website or stop by in person at the the city information booth at one of this summer's events.

To launch the public dialogue around Climate Ready NR, the City will host an online webinar, including “Climate Resilience 101”, on Thursday, July 13, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. You can register here.

To stay informed with upcoming news and information about Climate Ready NR, visit GreeNR and submit your contact information. If you have questions or issues accessing the survey, reach out to sustainability@newrochelleny.com.

This project has been funded in part by the Climate Smart Community Grant Program, Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.