There's a point where "black is the new green" needs to meet a bit of regulatory arm-twisting if we're going to see more than a fraction of a fractional progress to cleaner greener anything. And in practical terms, that point -- or those points -- are to be found in a city's zoning ordinances and building regulations.
So good news for us New Yorkers: on Monday, the City Planning Commission approved Section 26-41 of the Zoning Resolution, which requires planting of street trees for new developments as well as certain kinds of redevelopments and conversions. One tree is required for every 25 feet of street frontage, according to the coverage in The New York Times' City Room. The new ordinance also has some requirements for increasing front yard plantings -- right now a property owner can just pave over 100 percent if desired.
The new reg will lead to around 10,000 new street trees a year in the coming decade, according to the Planning Commission. NYC's 590,000-odd street trees already give back to the tune of about $122 million worth of ecosystem services including shade and cleaner air, and improved property values (a sweet tune to the ear of any real estate-obsessed Gothamite).
On to the City Council for approval.
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