The Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council
The Vanderbilt Park co-op has just completed its 10.18 kilowatt solar array, which is the largest array in the neighborhood according the NYC Solar Map.
The array provides green energy for approximately 85% of the power used in the co-op's common areas, as well as 100% of the power for one of the units in the building. With federal and municipal rebates, the payback period is just over three years. Being located in a landmarked district was an additional complication during construction, as the array was not allowed to be visible from the street, but Bret Heilig, the CEO of Fiveboro Solar as well as a resident of the co-op, embraced the challenge.
"Putting solar where I live and work was a special project for me," he said. "We have local food and local beer in Brooklyn. Why not local power?"
The Prospect Heights Street Tree Task Force has accepted the invitation of the Vanderbilt Avenue Merchants Association to work with the merchants to enhance the health, vitality and beauty of Vanderbilt Avenue street trees.
The Street Tree Task Force is a local volunteer organization committed to the care and maintenance of all our neighborhood’s street trees.
Volunteers will aerate, fertilize and mulch the tree pits and prune tree branches on Vanderbilt Avenue. In return, the Task Force only requests merchants to keep tree pits free of garbage and to water the trees on a regular basis.
Organizers would love to have as many Prospect Heights residents who can join them on June 25th to help with the tree care event. They will need the extra help to cover Vanderbilt Avenue from Plaza Street to Pacific Street. If you have gloves or cultivators bring them along. Organizers will do their best to ensure that everyone has the tools needed to do the job. Please join in!
Forest City Ratner is constructing the arena, but the rest of the demolished 22 acre site is a big questions mark...except for enormous "interim" surface parking lots.
In order to plan, set a better framework, and change the dynamic for the future development of the site Councilmember Letitia James, Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn invite you to UNITY 4, a community meeting on Wednesday, June 15th to discuss the community's plans for the Atlantic Yards site, with the UNITY Plan and its principles as a jumping off point.
The meeting will include a presentation by UNITY Plan designers and architects Marshall Brown and Ron Shiffman, a discussion of the current and future status of the site and Q&A with a panel including elected officials. Your ideas, thoughts and input will be invaluable to the meeting.
During heavy storms, stormwater runoff can overwhelm the city’s sewer system, and, in some cases, cause street flooding. To reduce stormwater runoff and to create a more livable, sustainable city, DEP released the NYC Green Infrastructure Plan and is piloting several stormwater best management practices throughout the city, including enhanced tree pits, streetside infiltration swales, and blue and green roofs. Rain barrels capture stormwater from your roof and store it for future use.
By capturing stormwater, rain barrels can help you conserve water by storing rainwater for future use, such as watering your lawn or garden. This will keep your plants healthy and save you money–since households devote almost 40% of their water to watering lawns and gardens. And you’ll be doing your part to reduce demand on New York City’s drinking water system during the summer’s hottest days.
DEP will provide detailed instructions on how to attach and use your rain barrel at the giveaway. For more information call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/dep.
Please note: Rain Barrels will be given away on first come first serve basis, one per household. You must live in a single-family or attached two-family home to participate in this exciting and innovative program.
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