Following in the footsteps of PlaNYC, the city of New Rochelle has launched its own sustainability plan, GreenNR. New Rochelle, along with Newark, NJ and Miami, FL, was selected by ICLEI-Local Governments to reduce its carbon footprint while boosting its economy, enhancing quality of life, and protecting the natural environment.  

New Rochelle Mayor Noam BramsonSince the launch of the plan last month, New Rochelle has articulated a set of far-reaching goals. A draft of the 20-year sustainability plan will be open for public comment starting on Earth Day 2010.

Three members of NYLCV's Westchester Chapter Board -- chair Nanette Bourne, Terri Eberle and Edna Sussman -- sit on the committee that is finalizing the plan.

A city of almost 76,000 residents, New Rochelle experienced waves of population growth that have both benefited and burdened the community and natural resources. With an estimated population increase of 5,000 residents in the next 20 years, the city now seeks ways to thrive while achieving sustainable development.  With GreenNR, it creates an overreaching long-term strategy that can be implemented over time.  

The visions and goals of GreenNR are ambitious, ranging from creating attractive neighborhoods, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging efficient and sustainable transportation, to protecting New Rochelle's natural resources, which include nine-mile shoreline, hundreds of acres of parkland and woods, and several lakes and streams. Pending the release of the plan next year, New Rochelle invites residents to contribute their ideas for creating a sustainable city, and has established an online suggestion form to that end.