Mayor Adams Opens Rooftop Farm on Staten Island to Grow Organic Produce, Absorb Stormwater to Reduce Neighborhood Flooding
Sourced from the City of New York
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala today opened a new rooftop farm on Staten Island that grows healthy organic food and absorbs stormwater, in an effort to help reduce neighborhood flooding and protect the health of New York Harbor. The approximately 32,000-square-foot roof is planted with perennial wildflowers and organic vegetables to absorb the approximately 3.5 million gallons of rain that falls on it in a typical year, instead of onto an impermeable roof. By keeping rainfall out of the local drainage system, this rooftop farm — situated on top of the Nicotra Group’s Corporate Commons Three building — helps manage stormwater and decrease neighborhood flooding. The project was made possible by a $670,000 grant provided through DEP’s Green Infrastructure Grant Program.
“Too often, we ignore the role that food plays in the destruction of our environment. But shifting to more sustainable, plant-based diets and growing fresh vegetables that are accessible to every community is key to building a city that supports both human and planetary health,” said Mayor Adams. “Our investment in this rooftop farm embodies the future of sustainable agriculture and resiliency by serving those in the neighborhood, and by absorbing stormwater and protecting New York Harbor, and it will deliver a healthier and more resilient future for generations to come.”
“Living and working in the city lovingly nicknamed the ‘Concrete Jungle,’ I am pleased to see exciting green infrastructure that can change the landscape of New York,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Rooftop farms like this new one on Staten Island is only just the beginning, as we look to bring more innovative, resilient ideas to fruition in our city’s infrastructure.”
“DEP’s Green Infrastructure Grant program encourages property owners to do their part to manage stormwater, reduce neighborhood flooding, and improve the health of our waterways,” said DEP Commissioner Aggarwala. “This project is a wonderful example of a partnership between government and a strong community leader to build green infrastructure that enhances the sustainability of the property while also helping to protect our shared environment.”
“Green rooftops are a go-to tool to increase resiliency in flood-prone neighborhoods, and they are going to be critical part of the future of our built environment,” said New York City Department of Buildings Acting Commissioner Constadino ‘Gus’ Sirakis, P.E. “Thanks to DEP’s forward-thinking Green Infrastructure Grant program, as well as the sustainable roof requirements in our codes and enhanced Green Roof Property Tax Abatements, New York City is building a living, breathing, sustainable skyline, one rooftop at a time.”
From the Living Architecture Monitor
