New York City is facing an increasing threat from severe rainstorms exacerbated by climate change, leading to calls for innovative solutions to manage stormwater and flooding.
In mid-July, the city recorded its second-wettest hour ever, with more than two inches of rain falling in Central Park within just an hour.
Following this deluge, experts warned of more frequent and severe storms.
A strategic solution presents itself through the concept of ‘universal daylighting.’
Currently, 70 percent of New York City is covered by impermeable surfaces, which prevent rainfall from being absorbed into the ground.
With an astounding 32,000 acres of city streets—equivalent to almost 40 Central Parks—dedicated to roadways, city officials are urged to reconsider how this space is utilized.
Interestingly, more than half of New York City households do not own personal vehicles, and about two-thirds of residents do not rely on driving for their daily commutes.
This significant percentage suggests a need for repurposing road space to better serve the population’s needs, particularly in light of the recent climate events.
The potential benefits of converting even a small fraction of these 32,000 acres into rain gardens are substantial.
Cities like Philadelphia have already demonstrated this approach, achieving remarkable success with their green initiatives.
Philadelphia managed to ‘green’ 837 acres of land over five years, leading to a reduction of over 1.5 billion gallons of stormwater and combined sewer overflow annually.
Similarly, Hoboken saw positive outcomes with its initiatives concerning rain gardens.
New York City could replicate these successes, with sidewalk rain gardens capable of holding up to 2,500 gallons of stormwater each.
However, the key challenge lies in securing the space needed for these projects.
This is where universal daylighting comes into play.
In most U.S. states, parking within 20 feet of crosswalks is prohibited, known as universal daylighting.
This practice not only enhances safety by increasing visibility at intersections but also frees up valuable curb space for other uses.
Unfortunately, despite universal daylighting being a law in New York State, a loophole allows New York City to exempt itself from these regulations.
This has resulted in a situation where nearly 3 million on-street parking spaces dominate the city’s landscape, far more than any other U.S. city or cities worldwide with similar transit profiles.
As a result, New Yorkers often view this space as reserved for parking, making reformation of curb space use a daunting task.
To address this issue, City Council has introduced Intro. 1138, which aims to remove New York City’s exemption from state daylighting laws.
If passed, this bill would allow curb space at every intersection to be repurposed as rain gardens, unlocking significant potential for green infrastructure.
Intro. 1138 enjoys bipartisan support among a majority of Council members, indicating broad political backing for this much-needed reform.
With climate change leading to no end in sight for extreme weather events, Speaker Adrienne Adams is urged to prioritize the passage of this bill.
By embracing universal daylighting, New York City can effectively create green infrastructure within the constraints of its existing land.
The ongoing need for resilience against climate-driven storms underscores the urgency of this proposal.
Without adopting universal daylighting measures, the city faces significant challenges in managing stormwater and protecting its residents from the repercussions of intensified flooding.
Experts agree that the time for New York City to rethink its approach to curb space is now.
In doing so, the city can not only enhance its urban landscape but also safeguard its infrastructure and residents against future storm challenges.
image source from：citylimits
