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Collaboration on raised median projects and vegetation management

1:39:01

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Council Member Avilés inquires about inter-agency collaboration on raised median projects, vegetation choices, and maintenance responsibilities. Representatives from DEP and Parks Department provide insights on the process.

Avilés uses an example from Sunset Park where medians are being raised, possibly due to the train line underneath
There's uncertainty about which agency is responsible for vegetation and trash management in these areas
Matt Drury from Parks explains that responsibilities can vary depending on the specific stretch and designations like 'green streets'
Angela Licata emphasizes DEP's approach of looking at projects through a resiliency lens and working with property owners (often DOT) to integrate water management goals
DEP aims to utilize public realm and city-owned land as part of their solution for achieving water management goals
Licata mentions that DEP is transforming some very large medians in the city as part of this approach

Alexa Avilés

1:39:01

And in terms of like on a meta level, like in Sunset Park where you have had medians that are being raised, and primarily I think the train line runs underneath.

1:39:12

So there may be a more technical reason why we did this, but of course we see vegetation.

1:39:16

We're very excited about it.

1:39:19

But I'm curious around what is the collaboration for these kinds of projects?

1:39:24

Like, is there a resiliency lens that is being used when when these kinds of projects are coming online?

1:39:33

I guess I'm curious about what the vegetation is that is put in there and there's a consistent problem with trash, but apparently since it's under construction, I understand the contractor is currently responsible for that.

1:39:46

But when that moves away, does that become part of DEP?

1:39:49

Is it Parks?

1:39:50

Is it DOT?

Angela Licata

1:39:51

It's not DEP.

Alexa Avilés

1:39:53

It's not DEP.

1:39:54

Okay.

1:39:54

It might be Parks.

1:39:56

It might not be either.

Matt Drury

1:39:57

Yeah.

1:39:57

Well, I mean, it depends on the stretch is the short answer.

1:40:00

Like, it's designated there are certain stretches that are designated as green streets, like per a MOU with DOT, the case.

1:40:07

But broadly speaking, you know, think that's DOT slash Department of Sanitation.

Alexa Avilés

1:40:13

Is there, I guess, we'll get there.

1:40:17

Especially when the project is done.

1:40:18

But in terms of the lands, I'm curious, like, is there nature based lands put onto these projects before they are built out, or is that only done when requested?

Angela Licata

1:40:32

I can answer from my own perspective.

1:40:34

And I really appreciate and I like your observation because one of the things that we know in order to achieve our goals, we're going to be working in the right of way and we're definitely going to need the public realm, so any of the land that is in the city's possession, to be part of the solution.

1:40:55

So we do try when we initiate a project to look at it through that resiliency lens, to work with the owner of the property that may be DOT in some instances, and to see how they have of course, transportation goals, and we need to manage and meet those, but how can we and where can we have partnerships that that work with them?

1:41:21

So when DEP initiates a project, that's how we look at it, and we are transforming some very large medians in the city.

1:41:30

I do not I'm not familiar enough with yours that you mentioned, so I I would need to see those on a map and work with the project management team.

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