Figure 1. Surface Temperature in Study Area with Tree Canopy Overlay
Data sources: The Trust for Public Land; High Resolution Canopy Land Cover from NOAA’s Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP); NYCEDC
Project Background:
The Industrial Business Zones (IBZs) surrounding the English Kills and East Branch tributaries of Newtown Creek are among the hottest areas of New York City. Characterized by large industrial buildings, heavy truck traffic, and minimal vegetation, the IBZs are hotspots for the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, leading to significantly higher temperatures than surrounding areas. These neighborhoods—East Williamsburg, Maspeth, West Bushwick, and Ridgewood—are identified as disadvantaged communities (DACs) with high Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) ratings by the City of New York. Residents and workers in the IBZs face increased risks of heat-related illnesses and mortality due to a combination of higher temperatures, lower income levels, limited access to air conditioning, and a lack of green spaces. While climate resiliency efforts often focus on residential areas, industrial communities are frequently overlooked.
Project Goals:
This project aims to advocate for increased tree coverage in the IBZs surrounding English Kills and East Branch tributaries, focusing on two key initiatives: (1) increasing public street tree plantings and (2) promoting tree plantings on private properties, particularly along the Newtown Creek shoreline. The project goal is to raise community awareness regarding UHI, strengthen climate resilience along Newtown Creek, and improve local wildlife habitats.
Project Report:
If you are a business and/or property owner within the industrial areas surrounding Newtown Creek and are interested in pursuing ways to mitigate extreme heat on your site, we are interested in hearing from you. We are actively seeking opportunities to plant, manage, and maintain tree plantings along private shorelines and parking lots that provide benefits to workers but do not interfere with operations. Email us info @ newtowncreekalliance.org
This project is made possible by the generous support of The Hudson River Foundation and the New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program. Many thanks to our project partners from Trees New York, Evergreen Exchange, and Maspeth Industrial Business Association.