Proposed Climate Center On Governors Island Seeks Partner

New York City NY

28 June, 2021

4:10 PM

Description

NEW YORK CITY — A proposed climate change research center took a step closer to reshaping Governors Island, with a push from some high-profile city politicians. Sen. Chuck Schumer, Rep. Jerry Nadler and Mayor Bill de Blasio braved a heat wave and took a ferry ride to Governors Island to tout the project Monday. The sweaty news conference marked the launch of a competition to create an anchor institution for the project, which comes with $150 million in funding. "The climate solutions of tomorrow will be developed right here on Governors Island," de Blasio said. The future of New York City is green and it's beginning on Governors Island! Join us for a major announcement. #NoStoppingNewYork https://t.co/uMRY9SkNPz— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) June 28, 2021 Governors Island, a 172-acre piece of public land in New York Harbor, has a long history — from oyster trade hub to military base. Now controlled by the Trust for Governors Island, it has the potential to host a research institution with a front row seat to the effect's of climate change, Nadler said. "As we endeavor upon the vital and urgent work of better preparing our city for the challenges of the coming future, building a hub of climate action and research in our city is not just necessary it's imperative," he said. "Governors Island will be the perfect home for this project." Schumer also appeared Monday at a news conference with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg about the Gateway Tunnel project. He outlined the island's history and potential to address the existential threat of climate change. "I can't think of one no more urgent public purpose than confronting the calamitous challenge of climate change," Schumer said. The competition — officially dubbed a "request for expressions of interest" — seeks proposals from universities and research institutions to anchor the island's Center for Climate Solutions. The center aims to create "equitable" solutions for cities, ready neighborhoods for climate change, grow well-paying green jobs for New Yorkers and create space for public awareness, the request states. Read the project's request here.