The People's Money (2024-2025)
Play your part: Your Money, Your Community, Your Vote!
Investing in Green Spaces: Public School 9 Tree Footprint Expansion Initiative
- Do you have specific Neighborhood(s) in mind?
- Prospect Heights
- Which group(s) does your idea focus on? Select as many as apply.
-
YouthOlder AdultsPeople with DisabilitiesImmigrants/ MigrantsLGBTQ+ PeopleParentsLow Income PeopleBlack, Indigenous and/or People of Color
- Describe the challenge you want to address:
- The trees surrounding Public School 9 The Sarah Smith Garnet School face a significant challenge due to limited soil and green space. These trees are essential in providing shade, improving air quality, and reducing the urban heat island effect. However, constrained soil areas hinder their root development, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Additionally, the lack of accessible green space impacts students' and residents' connection with nature, limiting opportunities to experience its benefits within the urban environment. In recent years, the school has also observed an increase in flooding in Pre-K and 3K classrooms located in the basement levels. This issue is exacerbated by the prevalence of urban rain runoff resulting from the impervious surfaces that dominate the school's surroundings. Limited tree and soil coverage contribute to a reduced capacity for absorbing and retaining water during heavy rainfall events, leading to increased stormwater runoff that affects the school's infrastructure. The Tree Footprint Expansion Initiative aims to address these challenges by securing funding through NYC's Participatory Budgeting process. The project focuses on expanding the soil and green spaces around mature trees to promote their health and enhance the area's capacity to manage stormwater runoff more effectively. By investing in these essential community assets, the initiative will contribute to a healthier, greener environment for students, the school community, and residents alike.
- What is the solution to the challenge?
- The PS9 Tree Footprint Expansion Initiative seeks funding through NYC's Participatory Budgeting process to address the urgent need for increased soil and green spaces around our mature trees. By investing in the well-being of these vital community assets, we can create a healthier, greener environment for students, the school community, and residents alike. Expanded soil areas will enable trees to develop strong root systems, absorb essential nutrients, and flourish in the urban environment. In addition to promoting tree health, increased green spaces will enhance the beauty of our community, provide additional shade, improve air quality, and contribute to overall livability. Moreover, this initiative directly benefits students' education and well-being by providing opportunities for hands-on learning and fostering a connection with nature. As the trees thrive, students can engage in environmental studies, learn about tree care, and develop an appreciation for the role of green spaces in urban environments. The improved outdoor environment will also promote student mental health and provide a more enjoyable space for physical activity during recess and after-school programs. An essential aspect of the tree expansion project is its potential to mitigate the increased flooding that has been affecting Pre-K and 3K classrooms in the school's basement levels. By enhancing the area's natural capacity to absorb and retain water during heavy rainfall events, the project will help reduce stormwater runoff, creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for young students. In summary, investing in this initiative is a multifaceted approach that improves the overall health and aesthetics of the school's surroundings, addresses pressing infrastructure concerns, and directly impacts the well-being and educational experience of all learners at Public School 9 The Sarah Smith Garnet School.
- Please provide your Zip Code
- 11238
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