ASC's Intersections Newsletter — April 18th, 2025
Nora’s Note
Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard are doing something quietly transformational. Through a first of its kind pilot, low- and moderate-income households are receiving solar panels, heat pumps, battery storage, and weatherization support in one no-cost or low-cost package without having to navigate a maze of rebates or piece together energy upgrades. The program delivers a full home transformation that lowers energy bills, improves air quality, and builds climate resilience right into the walls. Residents who were spending nearly a third of their income on utility costs are living in more efficient homes, with energy systems designed for long-term savings and stability. By looking to understand the challenges underserved households face, Massachusetts is showing what’s possible when the focus is centered on people and practicality.
Transportation
Congestion Relief Zone revenues to fund MTA Delancey St.-Essex St. station complex accessibility and TOD projects. The MTA, in collaboration with the NYC Economic Development Corporation is advancing a project to make the Delancey St–Essex St Station complex fully ADA-accessible. This initiative, funded by congestion pricing revenues, includes constructing elevators and developing 99 units of mixed-income housing on the former Essex Market site. Read more about how this project fits into the MTA’s broader 2020–2024 Capital Plan and its goals for transit-oriented development. (Source: Mass Transit)
Gothamist: NJ Transit officials eye new housing as solution to homelessness at Newark Penn Station
Transport Topics: Ohio Truckers Land wins $11 billion transportation budget
Nevada Today | University of Nevada, Reno: Traffic safety, new technologies drive Transportation Engineering Program
Climate
Community tree planting program reaches 95% of US neighborhoods. The Arbor Day Foundation, a non-profit whose mission is to distribute and plant trees nationwide, has succeeded in planting trees in over 76,000 communities since 2022. Initiatives like Tree City USA recognize cities dedicated to urban forestry and tree care, while the community tree planting program focuses on underserved neighborhoods by providing trees and supporting local distribution efforts. Read more about spreading green across the country. (Source: Happy Eco News)
Anthropocene Magazine: The unusual inspiration for this energy-free cooling system is elephant skin
The Daily Climate: Cape Cod pilot brings clean energy upgrades to low-income homes in a bundled package
Inside Climate News: Will US tariffs make world leaders value the stability of renewables?
Economic Development
NYCEDC commits $18M to infrastructure upgrades at Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Red Hook, Brooklyn. This funding encompasses the removal of four obsolete cranes, installation of a new all-electric ship-to-shore crane, and essential repairs to Pier 10. These upgrades are part of a broader $80 million commitment to transform the 122-acre site into a modern port and mixed-use community, expected to generate thousands of jobs and significant economic impact. Read more as NYCEDC aims to establish a sustainable, resilient waterfront that bolsters the city's economy and infrastructure. (Source: New York YIMBY)
Streetsblog: Supporters of open street come out in droves to fight Canal Street cutback
Shreveport Times: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announces another billion dollar economic development project
AMNY: Hudson Yards West project with proposed casino moves closer to approval; will plans help give MTA a financial boost?
Digital
Three takeaways from new tech and energy AI partnerships. As AI technology surges forward, tech companies are partnering with energy giants to meet the immense electricity demands of data centers. With nuclear energy facing regulatory setbacks, firms are turning to U.S. natural gas for faster, scalable solutions. Sustainability is taking a back seat as speed and energy access become top priorities. Read more about these moves signaling a shift toward self-reliance in energy production and a race to secure the power and chips needed to fuel AI innovation. (Source: Forbes)
The Verge: Google Maps is launching tools to help cities analyze infrastructure and traffic
Route Fifty: State and local governments continue to fight drug epidemic with tech
GovTech: Experts offer ideas to ensure AI is disability-inclusive
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