1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The transition to green infrastructure that can absorb stormwater should be mandated not just for New York City, but across the entire state. By replacing impervious surfaces like concrete medians with vegetated areas and drainage systems, municipalities can better manage extreme rainfall events intensified by climate change. This approach mitigates flooding risks, reduces sewer overflows into local waterways, enhances neighborhood aesthetics, and provides environmental benefits like mitigating the urban heat island effect. Green infrastructure offers a cost-effective, sustainable solution aligned with climate resilience goals. As an advocate for proactive adaptation measures, the integration of green infrastructure should be legislatively mandated for all future median projects statewide to safeguard communities from intensifying climate impacts.