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Environmental Justice Fellows urge more street trees as residents and council pledge action
Summary
A city environmental-justice fellow and community advocates told the council Newburgh is short thousands of street trees and urged tree-planting; council members and staff said replanting is a priority and noted ongoing programs.
During public comment at the May 27 meeting, Sterling A. Grant, an Environmental Justice (EJ) fellow affiliated with the Greater Newburgh Park Conservancy, described limited street-tree coverage and called for increased tree-planting in the city.
"On my own street alone, there are 3 street trees... Newburgh is turning into a heat island this summer due to the lack of trees," Grant said, urging the council to prioritize planting street trees, not just park plantings. Council member Martinez said the city is "about 4,000 trees short" and praised the EJ Fellows program while voicing support for continued planting efforts and funding.
Sonia d Grant (Grant Foresight) also highlighted youth engagement and community initiatives that connect young residents to civic work, and the council encouraged continued collaboration with partners to expand planting and youth programs.
Council members noted the city has received state and national recognition for tree programs previously, and said tree-planting and maintenance will continue to be a focus as funding and partnerships are developed.
