residents impacted*
local policies in discussion
°F reduced**
* Combines # of workers in offices who adopted air purification units, urban gardening and recreation volunteers and students at local schools that implemented gardens, business owners who adopted reflective roofs, residents of buildings and apartments with reflective roofs, etc.
** We calculated the temperature reduction by installing temperature sensors in both the treated and untreated areas, recording data continuously over a period of six months during peak summer months. The average temperature difference between these areas was then analyzed, revealing a consistent reduction of 3-4 degrees Fahrenheit in zones with cool roof technologies and reflective surfaces.
Reducing UHI effects and enhancing recreational equity through small steps that address the Bronx's biggest challenges.
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01
In the South Bronx, known as "Asthma Alley," the predominantly Black and Hispanic community suffers from asthma hospitalization rates 5x the national average due to exposure to diesel emissions from 15K+ daily truck trips through the neighborhood. We decided to develop cost-effective, decentralized air purification units to help.
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In the South Bronx, known as "Asthma Alley," residents face severe environmental injustices exacerbated by high pollution levels. This predominantly Black and Hispanic community suffers from asthma hospitalization rates five times the national average due to constant exposure to diesel emissions from over 15,000 daily truck trips through the neighborhood.
Compounded by the handling of 100% of the Bronx's waste and a lack of green spaces, these environmental burdens reflect systemic neglect and underscore the urgent need for equitable environmental policies and community-led initiatives that go beyond food drives and gift cards.
In partnership with our Visionary NYC chapter and using scrap materials, we found an inexpensive way to create air purification systems. With air filters, a box fan, cardboard sheets, and duct tape, we developed a DIY solution that effectively cleans the air in pollution hotspots. This simple yet effective design involves cutting a circular opening in a cardboard sheet to create a shroud, assembling four MERV 13 air filters into a box shape with duct tape, attaching a cardboard base, and securing a box fan on top. By using scrap materials, we significantly reduced costs, making this air purifier accessible to communities in need.
We placed units in pollution hotspots, such as near the Hunts Point Market and residential areas most affected by emissions. Visionary NYC has so far tested and deployed 14 units, and we've seen an average 27% decrease in asthma-causing pollutants within a 100 meter radius of each unit according to air quality monitors. Unlike other solutions that require extensive infrastructure changes, PCO units can operate independently, inexpensively, and in a compact environment.
02
In Hunts Point/Motts Haven, densely packed food distribution buildings form industrial jungles that trap heat. These low-income, predominantly Black and Latinx neighborhoods, face health risks due to a lack of greenery and AC access. We decided to take initiative with a 3-pronged solution: Expanding and redeveloping parks to decrease recreational distance, mitigating UHIs in urban cores via reflective roofs and urban gardens, and increasing tree cover.
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In the Bronx and Central Harlem, densely packed high-rise buildings, predominantly residential, form concrete jungles that trap heat, leading to significantly elevated temperatures compared to surrounding areas. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in neighborhoods like Mott Haven and Hunts Point, where a lack of green spaces and tree cover intensifies heat retention, creating hotspots that can be up to 10° F warmer than cooler parts of the city.
These temperature differentials can discourage going outdoors to seek recreation for local residents, especially during summer months, creating public health risks such as heat-related illnesses and respiratory conditions. As a result, addressing UHIs in the Bronx becomes an issue of systemic changes in planning and spacing accessibility to public parks rather than a matter of individualistic actions. We decided to tackle these issues with a 3-pronged solution:
First, we conducted extensive community engagement sessions with local residents, community leaders, and health experts to pinpoint high-heat zones and identify areas with the greatest need for green space and recreational amenities in the urban periphery.
Based on feedback, we distilled these insights into 4 parks we could redevelop or expand into recreational areas that would serve each quadrant of Hunts Point to ensure parks were within walking distance.
Based on the quadrants, we reviewed land use policies and zoning regulations to identify potential hurdles and opportunities for park expansion. Engaging with local politicians, including City Council members and the Borough President's office, we advocated for the necessary zoning adjustments and sought their support for funding and policy changes.
We are currently in active discussions with local politicians, hoping to secure their endorsement and push forward the necessary legislative and funding approvals. This ongoing advocacy and planning process aims to transform Hunts Point into a model of recreational equity, providing residents with accessible parks.
To mitigate UHIs right at their urban core, we focused on rooftops and reflective surfaces by incentivizing building owners to adopt cool roof technologies and reflective coatings, reducing local temperatures and enhancing outdoor comfort. This involved an outreach program, where we educated property owners about the benefits of cool roofs through workshops. We also collaborated with the same officials as the Quadrant Plan to apply for grants and subsidies for the installation of reflective roofing materials, making it financially feasible for more buildings to participate.
Secondly, we initiated an urban gardening initiative, which aimed to redevelop brownfields and vacant lots into community gardens and promoting urban agriculture. We worked with local schools, neighborhood associations, and urban gardeners to convert unused spaces into vibrant green areas., such as school courtyards. Our efforts included securing funding through grants and partnerships with local businesses, providing tools and resources to community members, and organizing volunteer events to build and maintain the gardens.
Additionally, we prioritized improving existing parks and streets by planting heat-resistant trees to improve low canopy covers and make outdoor spaces more conducive to recreational activities.
Our partners
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Visionary NYC collaborates with Dr. Liv Yoon from Columbia University's Climate School to conduct studies on the impacts of urban heat islands and develop innovative solutions for heat resilience in high-risk neighborhoods. This partnership stemmed from mutual interests identified during a symposium organized by Outreach Coordinator Jonathan Lee, where he facilitated discussions on climate adaptation and community-based research.
Visionary NYC collaborates with GreenThumb, a program under NYC Parks, to establish and maintain community gardens in underserved areas of the Bronx and Manhattan. This partnership was initiated through proactive outreach by Outreach Coordinator Jonathan Lee, who connected with GreenThumb coordinators during local sustainability forums and workshops.
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection supports Visionary NYC's efforts to implement green infrastructure projects in Mott Haven and Hunts Point. This partnership was solidified through advocacy efforts led by Chapter Director Sophia Rodriguez, who engaged with DEP officials at public hearings and community meetings to demonstrate the benefits of green roofs and rain gardens in mitigating stormwater runoff.
Visionary NYC works closely with the Bronx Community Board to address environmental justice concerns and advocate for policy changes that prioritize community well-being. This partnership was established through ongoing dialogue initiated by Project Coordinator Amanda Sanchez, who attends board meetings to discuss strategies for enhancing green spaces and reducing urban heat island effects in the borough.
Leadership
Executive board
Sophia R.
Mott Haven
Jonathan L.
Harlem
Amanda S.
Hunts Point
Michael C.
Wash. Heights
