Will New Rochelle Address the Health Hazards of Air Pollution?

Written By: Talk of the Sound News

The New York Post (12/16/09) told how Mayor Bloomberg at the Climate Change Copenhagen Summit admitted that a survey of the air quality in some of New York City’s neighborhoods showed that several of them are very polluted.  Surprisingly, some of the wealthier areas of the city had more air pollution than Tottenville or Canarsie.  Midtown, University Heights and Greenwich Village were among the most highly air-polluted areas.  Causes of the pollution were listed as the combination of many  high-rise buildings which burn heavy oil and the air pollutants from the high number of vehicles on the streets.

Westchester’s air has not met federal standards for ozone and particulate matter.  In New Rochelle recently constructed tall buildings and increased traffic in the downtown area are evident.  Both create the potential for health problems for residents.  Several weeks ago the New Rochelle City Council was presented with a proposal for a small EPA grant.  Two areas were required to obtain the grant, so the Clean Air Act and air pollution and toxic substances were suggested.  This grant could be used to make residents aware of the dangers of air pollution.  Apparently the City is hesitant to apply for the grant because it was so competitive.

Developers in New Rochelle have not dealt with the health hazards of air pollution.  Motor vehicle emissions cause significant breathing problems and reduce lung function.  Children with asthma were effected in areas with so-called “safe” levels of air pollution.  A recent study at Columbia University found with children younger than two years old living in Northern Manhattan or the South Bronx, carbon particulates from diesel exhaust caused coughing, especially during the flu season.  High levels of the metals nickel and magnesium in the air caused these children to be at risk for wheezing.

Examination of Final Environmental Impact Statements for New Rochelle developments have consistently shown the air has not been tested in New Rochelle.  If New York City can test by placing sensors on lamp posts, why can’t New Rochelle?  With that in mind, it is hard to understand why New York State would want to streamline the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).  Some of the environmental issues that persist are the overloaded sewage treatment plant, overcrowded schools and traffic jams.

New York State Assemblyman George Latimer was asked about whether there would be a change in the SEQRA law this year.  He answered that he would be “hesitant” to change this law without a great deal of study.  As an example he said the Harrison-Rye Beaver-Swamp Basin Project went through a long review process.  Harrison wanted a ball field which required a land fill of a swamp, but over time Rye had a problem over the land use.  This was an example, he felt, of why the SEQRA process should not be streamlined.

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson has spoken about how the City was chosen for a sustainability plan under ILCEI.  ICLEI, established as the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, the official name is now ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability.   However, this does not substitute for the need to take action to improve New Rochelle’s environment, especially the air pollution.  Have the air tested and work toward removing undesirable pollutants.  Preserve this historic City for future generations.

in the December 21, 2009 issue of the Westchester Herald.