Leading the Charge for a Greener West Side

We all know that our city faces a lot of issues, especially in the wake of the pandemic. We are in rebuilding mode and need strong leadership to create a brighter future for New York City. But stop-gap solutions that address only one problem--such as the economy--at the expense of our shared environment are doomed to fail. Every decision we make needs to also be mindful of protecting and strengthening our environment so that we set the city up for success in the long run.

From Day One of my campaign to represent City Council District 3 (which runs along the west side of Manhattan from the Holland Tunnel up to parts of the West 60s), I have pledged that my policies will align with a #GreenFuture. My plans are ambitious but achievable, and would make our city a better place to live, work and play for everyone. I aim to focus on several key areas.

STOP THE SPEW

We live in the greatest city in the world, but our air quality – particularly on the west side – is some of the worst in all of NYC. When I found out that cruise ships docking at Piers 88 and 90 Manhattan Cruise Terminal spew out diesel emissions equivalent to 34,000 idling tractor trailers PER DAY, I knew I had to work on a greener path forward.

By collaborating with ConEdison and New York City’s Economic Development Corporation and Senator Brad Hoylman’s office, I helped get all the players to the table to begin strategizing a plan. Many cruise fleets are already fitted for electric power; we are the ones that have to now catch up by providing shore power--basically a giant electric plug that ships can use to get their electricity. Once ships are able to hook up to shore power, they won’t need to use their diesel engines and we’ll have made a critical step forward in not just improving Hell’s Kitchen air quality, but that of the entire city.

EXPAND ELECTRIC FLEETS, CHARGING STATIONS & THE GRID

President Biden recently announced that the U.S. will install half a million electric vehicle (“EV”) charging stations within the next ten years. We need our share of that green energy.

Our city’s 4,000+ service vehicles and bus fleet – the largest in the nation – should also emit zero pollutants, and the city will need those EV stations to achieve that goal.

In order to plug in, we must allocate upcoming federal infrastructure funds into securing our electric grid. Treating this as a priority is important for our economy, important for our health and important for the environment.

TURN PUBLIC HOUSING GREEN

The Climate Mobilization Act, passed in 2019, requires the largest buildings in the city to reduce their carbon emissions by 80% within the next three years. Why should that legislation apply only to private landlords? I want to hold the city accountable to these same principles.

Our district’s New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) complexes will soon be undergoing a once-in-a-lifetime renovation project. It is well documented that public housing and people of color bear a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards. I will fight for retrofits and upgrades that utilize the cleanest energy sources in order to reduce our carbon footprint and create a healthier environment for Chelsea-Elliot and Fulton housing residents.

All of these undertakings are examples of the type of passionate and forward-thinking mindset that our city needs immediately. We cannot allow our District to suffer from the effects of pollution caused by outdated technology and dirty energy sources. We must invest wisely and be sure that every dollar we spend protects New Yorkers AND our environment. These two concepts are not mutually exclusive.

How else can we improve our environment in District 3? I want to hear from the community on how we can evolve and recalibrate. Message me at leslie@lesliefornyc.com or find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Leslie Boghosian Murphy is a former investigative journalist, a mother and Executive Board Member of Community Board 4 who is running for City Council in District 3, which includes the West Village, Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.