New Trees at NYCHA Thanks to NY Attorney General’s Office

On April 30, New York Attorney General Letitia James joined NYCHA, Trees New York, and Red Hook Houses residents to help plant trees at the Brooklyn development as part of a $750,000 initiative to plant nearly 400 new trees on and around NYCHA developments, with direct input from NYCHA residents. 

The Trees for NYCHA project is made possible by funds from Office of the Attorney General settlements and includes the planting of 340 trees at NYCHA developments and 59 trees in neighborhoods adjacent to NYCHA developments; workforce development for young adults in partnership with Green City Force; training volunteers on the care of the new trees; and engaging students in public schools near NYCHA in environmental education. 

“Our Trees for NYCHA project is a model of what we can do when we invest directly in our communities,” said Attorney General James. “With hundreds of new trees, job training for young adults, and environmental education for students, this initiative has brought real change and environmental justice to neighborhoods in New York City that are far too often left behind. I am proud and grateful to have been able to work closely with NYCHA and Trees New York to put our settlement victories to work in service of our communities.”  

Launched in late 2023, Trees for NYCHA was designed as a two-year project to restore lost tree canopy and shade on NYCHA developments, with a focus on planting at developments with notably low tree cover and on engaging residents in all planting efforts. 

“Trees for NYCHA will not only add hundreds of trees to NYCHA’s natural canopy in areas that have been affected by severe weather events, it will also invest in public housing residents through a variety of meaningful workforce development programs and environmental education trainings and activities,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “We extend our sincere appreciation to our partners, Attorney General Letitia James and Trees New York, for their commitment to improving the lives of NYCHA communities across New York City.” 

“The power of a tree’s work for the public good is extremely inspiring,” said Nelson Villarrubia, Executive Director of Trees New York. “The 399 newly planted trees will help reduce energy demand; mask unsightly views; muffle sound; and absorb dust, wind, and excess stormwater. Additionally, the Trees for NYCHA project showcases how large-scale tree planting projects can serve as workforce development opportunities.”