Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfronts
May 07, 2025
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 53 min
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Summary
A hearing on nature-based solutions for climate resiliency and disaster preparedness in New York City.
Discussions focused on expanding green infrastructure, including rain gardens, bioswales, and Blue Belt programs, to manage stormwater and increase climate resilience.
Two bills were discussed:
- Intro 1253 on notifying council members about bioretention system installations
- Intro 1254 on setting green acre targets for MS4 areas
Features testimony from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Parks and Recreation, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Gennaro introduces the meeting and agenda items
Council Member James F. Gennaro opens the Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency, and Waterfronts hearing, introducing the main topic of nature-based solutions for climate resiliency and disaster preparedness. He also …
0:00:27
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179 sec
Overview of nature-based solutions and their benefits
Council Member Gennaro provides an overview of nature-based solutions, explaining their definition, effectiveness, and benefits compared to traditional gray infrastructure. He highlights the versatility and co-benefits of nature-based approaches in …
0:03:27
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95 sec
New York City's implementation of nature-based solutions
Council Member Gennaro highlights New York City's successful implementation of nature-based solutions to address various environmental challenges. He emphasizes the city's use of green infrastructure and other nature-based approaches to …
0:05:02
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81 sec
Objectives of the hearing on nature-based solutions
Council Member Gennaro outlines the main objectives of the hearing on nature-based solutions for climate resiliency and disaster preparedness. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing the city's existing work and …
0:06:24
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42 sec
Acknowledgments and attendance for the committee hearing
Council Member Gennaro concludes his opening remarks by acknowledging the committee staff and his own legislative director for their hard work. He also recognizes the presence of other council members …
0:07:07
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45 sec
Introduction to DEP's nature-based solutions for climate resilience
Angela Licata, Deputy Commissioner of Sustainability at the Department of Environmental Protection, introduces the agency's approach to nature-based solutions for climate resilience and disaster preparedness. She highlights DEP's history of …
0:08:45
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51 sec
Climate change impacts on New York City's stormwater management
Licata discusses how climate change is affecting New York City, particularly in terms of increased frequency and severity of rainstorms. This change has brought new challenges to the city's stormwater …
0:09:37
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31 sec
Limitations of New York City's traditional sewer system
Licata explains the current sewer infrastructure in New York City, its capabilities, and its limitations in the face of increasingly severe storms. She emphasizes the need for a combined approach …
0:10:09
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67 sec
Overview of New York City's green infrastructure program
Licata provides an overview of New York City's green infrastructure program, highlighting its benefits, scale, and recent developments. She emphasizes how green infrastructure complements traditional gray infrastructure in managing stormwater. …
0:11:16
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101 sec
Introduction to DEP's Blue Belt program
Licata introduces the Blue Belt program, explaining its history, purpose, and how it works as a nature-based solution for stormwater management. She highlights how Blue Belts integrate with existing sewer …
0:12:58
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68 sec
Implementation and benefits of the Blue Belt program
Licata details where Blue Belts are implemented across New York City, focusing on Staten Island as the primary location. She explains the expansion plans and partnerships involved in implementing Blue …
0:14:07
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81 sec
Community engagement and benefits of the Blue Belt program
Licata highlights how the Blue Belt program engages with and benefits the community beyond its primary function of stormwater management. She emphasizes the program's role in providing public amenities and …
0:15:29
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47 sec
Types and extent of green infrastructure in New York City
Deputy Commissioner Angela Licata outlines the various types of green infrastructure implemented in New York City, including rain gardens, green medians, porous pavement, and infiltration basins. The city has installed …
0:16:17
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76 sec
Maintenance challenges for green infrastructure in New York City
Deputy Commissioner Licata addresses the critical challenges in maintaining green infrastructure, particularly rain gardens, in New York City. The department strives to keep rain gardens healthy and performing by conducting …
0:17:33
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69 sec
Private property green infrastructure initiatives in New York City
Deputy Commissioner Licata outlines the initiatives to encourage green infrastructure on private property in New York City. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) provides financial incentives for installing green infrastructure …
0:18:43
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73 sec
Unified Stormwater Rule for new developments in New York City
Deputy Commissioner Licata explains the Unified Stormwater Rule, implemented in early 2022, as a powerful tool for on-site stormwater management in New York City. The rule requires sites disturbing 20,000 …
0:19:57
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103 sec
Tibbets Brook Daylighting Project in The Bronx
Deputy Commissioner Licata describes the Tibbets Brook Daylighting Project, the largest green infrastructure project to date in New York City. The project aims to disconnect Tibbets Brook from the sewer …
0:21:42
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90 sec
Cloudburst management projects in New York City
Deputy Commissioner Licata explains the concept of Cloudburst management projects, which are designed to capture stormwater during sudden heavy downpours to prevent flooding and overburdening of the sewer system. These …
0:23:13
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96 sec
Development of a comprehensive stormwater master plan for New York City
Deputy Commissioner Licata outlines the development of a comprehensive stormwater master plan for New York City, aimed at creating a more resilient system overall. The plan will assess necessary upgrades, …
0:24:51
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76 sec
Funding challenges and cancellation of FEMA BRIC program
Deputy Commissioner Licata addresses the funding challenges faced by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in implementing stormwater management projects. The department constantly balances the need for better service and …
0:26:09
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68 sec
Proposed legislation: Intro 1253 on notifying council members about bioretention systems
Deputy Commissioner Licata discusses Intro 1253, which would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to notify the local council member 30 days before installing a bioretention system in a …
0:27:18
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61 sec
MS4 areas and challenges in implementing green infrastructure
Deputy Commissioner Licata addresses the challenges of implementing green infrastructure in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) areas, as proposed in Intro 1254. The bill would require DEP to install …
0:28:20
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3 min
Cost and effectiveness of bioswales and rain gardens
Council Member Holden inquires about the average cost of installing bioswales or rain gardens. Deputy Commissioner Licata reveals that it costs between $15,000 to $20,000 per installation. - Licata emphasizes …
0:33:11
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57 sec
Installation of bioswales in Queens
Council Member Holden inquires about the number of bioswales installed in Queens. Deputy Commissioner Licata doesn't have the exact breakdown but offers to provide the information later.
0:34:08
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11 sec
Issues with storm runoff and paving over green spaces
Council Member Holden expresses concerns about storm runoff, sewer backups, and the practice of paving over green spaces in his district. He highlights the challenges of managing water during severe …
0:34:19
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123 sec
Coordination with utility companies on green infrastructure
Council Member Holden and Deputy Commissioner Licata discuss the issue of utility companies paving over green spaces during their work. Licata acknowledges the problem and expresses a willingness to address …
0:36:22
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132 sec
Proposal for a local law on maintaining green strips
Council Member Holden proposes creating a local law that would require the maintenance of green strips at curbs during construction projects. Chair Gennaro and DEP representatives respond positively to this …
0:38:34
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116 sec
Council Member Marmorato discusses flooding issues and requests a walk-through with DEP
Council Member Kristy Marmorato expresses concerns about persistent flooding in her district and requests another walk-through with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to explore potential solutions. DEP Deputy Commissioner …
0:40:45
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122 sec
Council Member Gennaro recommends DEP borough commissioner Alfonso Lopez
Council Member James F. Gennaro recommends DEP borough commissioner Alfonso Lopez to Council Member Robert F. Holden. Gennaro describes Lopez as a good guy who lives near his district office …
0:43:23
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152 sec
Explanation of Blue Belt program development and land acquisition efforts
Deputy Commissioner Angela Licata explains the development of the Blue Belt program in Staten Island, including land acquisition efforts and collaboration with the Parks Department. Council Member Gennaro asks questions …
0:45:57
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6 min
Parks Department's current approach to tree protection in right-of-way areas
Council Member James F. Gennaro inquires about the Parks Department's current approach to protecting trees within the city's right-of-way. The Parks Department representatives are called to answer questions on this …
0:52:16
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45 sec
Discussion of proposed bill on tree protection within city's right-of-way
Council Member James F. Gennaro discusses his proposed bill aimed at protecting trees within the city's right-of-way and questions the Parks Department about their current efforts and willingness to engage …
0:53:01
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9 min
DEP's approach to rain garden maintenance and assessment
Council Member Gennaro inquires about DEP's maintenance practices for rain gardens, including litter removal and vegetation management. Deputy Commissioner Licata explains the department's data-driven approach to assessing and maintaining rain …
1:02:40
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3 min
Transforming rain gardens to infiltration basins in challenging locations
Deputy Commissioner Licata explains the transformation of some rain gardens into infiltration basins, particularly in areas where traditional rain gardens face challenges. This adaptation allows for better stormwater management while …
1:06:34
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72 sec
Consideration of drought-resistant plantings in rain gardens
Council Member Gennaro inquires about the use of drought-resistant plantings in rain gardens, referencing a bill he passed years ago for median plantings. Deputy Commissioner Licata explains that while drought …
1:07:46
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94 sec
DEP staff roles in green infrastructure maintenance
Council Member Gennaro inquires about the various maintenance tasks performed by DEP staff, including soil enhancement, tree pruning, and horticultural services. Deputy Commissioner Licata explains that DEP uses some Parks …
1:09:20
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55 sec
OMB support for DEP's green infrastructure program
Deputy Commissioner Licata highlights the significant support provided by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for DEP's green infrastructure program. This support includes budgeting assistance, staff approvals, and understanding …
1:10:15
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54 sec
Workforce development program for green infrastructure maintenance
Deputy Commissioner Licata outlines a new workforce development program aimed at maintaining green infrastructure assets while providing job opportunities and skills development. This program involves collaboration with private entities and …
1:11:09
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71 sec
Council Member Gennaro discusses SWPPP, BRIC funding, and Cloudburst projects with Deputy Commissioner Licata
Council Member James F. Gennaro engages in a Q&A session with Deputy Commissioner Angela Licata about various environmental and funding issues. They discuss the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), the …
1:12:26
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4 min
Council Member Gennaro and Deputy Commissioner Licata discuss green infrastructure bills and MS4 areas
Council Member James F. Gennaro and Deputy Commissioner Angela Licata engage in a discussion about proposed legislation (Intro 1253 and Intro 1254) related to green infrastructure projects in New York …
1:17:02
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4 min
Council Member Gennaro discusses storm sewer infrastructure and groundwater issues with DEP representatives
Council Member James F. Gennaro engages in a detailed discussion with DEP representatives about storm sewer infrastructure, MS4 areas, and groundwater management in various parts of New York City, particularly …
1:21:50
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7 min
Clarification on green infrastructure datasets: Green Hub vs. NYC Open Data
Council Member Avilés inquires about the differences between the Green Hub dataset required by the 2023 consent order and the NYC Open Data green infrastructure dataset. Deputy Commissioner Angela Licata …
1:29:53
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111 sec
Calculation and reporting of combined sewer overflow (CSO) reduction
Council Member Avilés inquires about the calculation and reporting of combined sewer overflow (CSO) reduction attributable to green infrastructure assets. Deputy Commissioner Angela Licata explains how this information is tracked …
1:31:44
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71 sec
Use of natural geography and street creeks for water management
Council Member Avilés inquires about DEP's consideration of using street creeks and natural geography for water management. Deputy Commissioner Angela Licata explains the Blue Belt program and its approach to …
1:32:55
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150 sec
Examples of natural water flow in urban areas: Red Hook and Greenwood Cemetery
Council Member Avilés shares examples of natural water flow in urban areas, specifically in Red Hook and Greenwood Cemetery, to illustrate the potential for nature-based solutions in water management. - …
1:35:26
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88 sec
Bioretention systems: Installation numbers and maintenance responsibilities
Council Member Avilés inquires about the number of bioretention systems installed and their maintenance. Deputy Commissioner Angela Licata provides information on installation numbers and explains DEP's role in maintaining these …
1:36:54
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125 sec
Collaboration on raised median projects and vegetation management
Council Member Avilés inquires about inter-agency collaboration on raised median projects, vegetation choices, and maintenance responsibilities. Representatives from DEP and Parks Department provide insights on the process. - Avilés uses …
1:39:01
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158 sec
Nature-based solutions for water management around the BQE and arterial highways
Council Member Avilés inquires about potential nature-based solutions for water management around the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) and other arterial highways. Deputy Commissioner Angela Licata discusses past considerations and ongoing studies …
1:41:39
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3 min
Council Member Restler discusses DEP's $30 billion flooding risk plan
Council Member Lincoln Restler acknowledges DEP's work on green infrastructure projects in District 33 and inquires about the $30 billion plan to address flooding risks in 86 locations over 30 …
1:45:44
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144 sec
Discussion on funding challenges for large-scale infrastructure projects
Beth DeFalco from DEP addresses the funding challenges for the $30 billion infrastructure upgrade plan, explaining the complexities of financing such large-scale projects and the limitations of current funding mechanisms. …
1:48:08
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108 sec
DEP's approach to prioritizing and starting flood mitigation projects
Angela Licata, Deputy Commissioner of Sustainability at DEP, explains the department's approach to prioritizing and initiating work on flood mitigation projects from the identified 86 critical areas. - Licata emphasizes …
1:49:56
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101 sec
Council Member Restler advocates for accelerated timeline and increased partnerships
Council Member Restler emphasizes the need for new funding strategies to accelerate the 30-year plan and inquires about partnerships for green infrastructure projects, particularly in schools and parks within his …
1:51:38
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3 min
DEP's programs for implementing green infrastructure in schools
Melissa Enoch, Assistant Commissioner at DEP, details the department's programs for implementing green infrastructure retrofits at schools across the city. - DEP has prioritized various CSO sheds for green infrastructure …
1:55:13
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91 sec
Collaboration between DEP and Parks Department on green infrastructure projects
The discussion focuses on the collaboration between DEP and the Parks Department for implementing green infrastructure projects, particularly in Council Member Restler's district. - Melissa Enoch mentions ongoing collaboration with …
1:56:44
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148 sec
Funding challenges for park projects in flood-prone areas
Council Member Restler expresses frustration about the funding challenges for park projects in flood-prone areas, particularly the reliance on council member discretionary funds. - Restler mentions allocating significant funds ($15 …
1:59:13
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141 sec
Council Member Gennaro discusses rental payment system and its impact on DEP's budget
Council Member James F. Gennaro discusses the rental payment system and its negative impact on DEP's budget, expressing his efforts to eliminate this system. - Gennaro argues that the rental …
2:01:34
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155 sec
Update on porous pavement implementation in NYC
Council Member Gennaro inquires about the city's progress on constructing porous pavement lanes as part of Plan NYC. Deputy Commissioner Licata provides a detailed update on the current status and …
2:04:31
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139 sec
Green infrastructure solutions for areas with bedrock or high groundwater
Council Member Gennaro asks about the feasibility of implementing green infrastructure in areas with bedrock or high groundwater tables. Deputy Commissioner Licata confirms that detention systems can be successfully used …
2:06:55
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49 sec
Parks and DEP collaboration on green infrastructure projects
Assistant Commissioner Larson explains the collaboration between the Parks Department and DEP in implementing green infrastructure projects in parks. Their partnership involves various approaches to manage stormwater runoff both within …
2:07:54
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113 sec
Update on Tottenville Shoreline Restoration Project
Assistant Commissioner Larson provides an update on the Tottenville Shoreline Restoration Project, a post-Sandy coastal resiliency initiative incorporating nature-based design elements. The project's current status and challenges are discussed. - …
2:09:57
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106 sec
Green infrastructure implementation in MS4 areas
Deputy Commissioner Licata discusses the strategic approach to implementing green infrastructure in MS4 areas, focusing on projects that offer multiple benefits such as improving water quality and reducing flooding. - …
2:12:08
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112 sec
Co-benefits consideration in green infrastructure selection
Deputy Commissioner Licata explains how DEP considers co-benefits, such as urban heat reduction, when selecting green infrastructure for stormwater management. - Rain gardens with trees or vegetation are used to …
2:14:09
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57 sec
Metrics for measuring green infrastructure impact
Deputy Commissioner Licata discusses the challenges and current approaches to measuring the impact of green infrastructure, addressing both CSO reduction and other benefits like street flooding reduction. - The 'greened …
2:16:08
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157 sec
Closing remarks on NYC's green infrastructure program
Council Member Gennaro concludes the hearing with remarks on the evolution and importance of New York City's green infrastructure program. - Acknowledges that NYC has the best green infrastructure program …
2:18:48
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66 sec
Testimony by Em Ruby, Advocacy and Policy Coordinator at Riverkeeper
Em Ruby from Riverkeeper testifies on nature-based solutions for climate resiliency, expressing support for expanding such solutions but raising concerns about two proposed bills. Riverkeeper opposes Intro 1254, arguing it …
2:29:48
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3 min
Testimony by Paul Gallay, Director of Resilient Coastal Communities Project at Columbia Climate School
Paul Gallay, Director of the Resilient Coastal Communities Project at Columbia Climate School, presented testimony on scaling up green infrastructure solutions for flood resilience in New York City. He outlined …
2:37:10
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4 min
Testimony by Alia Soomro, Deputy Director for New York City Policy at New York League of Conservation Voters
Alia Soomro from the New York League of Conservation Voters testified on climate resilience and green infrastructure in New York City. She emphasized the need for prioritizing and investing in …
2:43:09
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3 min
Testimony by Michelle Luebke, Program Manager of Stormwater Infrastructure Matters (SWIM) Coalition
Michelle Luebke, representing the SWIM Coalition, testifies on proposed legislation regarding green infrastructure in New York City. She expresses concerns about the effectiveness of Intro 1253 and Intro 1254, suggesting …
2:48:31
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142 sec
Testimony by John, Member of Public
John, a member of the public, briefly testifies in support of both bills under discussion, despite being in a challenging environment while picking up his son from school. Council Member …
2:51:48
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52 sec