The Vision

Introducing green rooftop gardens, hydroponic farms, and solar panels offers a promising solution to these issues. This initiative combines urban agriculture, sustainability, renewable energy, and community engagement, enhancing public health, resilience, and the neighborhood's connection to nature. Implementing green rooftops and solar panels on Coney Island represents a significant environmental upgrade. It sets a precedent for sustainable urban living by addressing critical concerns such as food insecurity, urban heat islands, and energy efficiency.

Coney Island’s distinctive characteristics render it an ideal candidate for rooftop farming and solar energy initiatives, unlocking multiple layers of potential:

• Enhancing Community Food Insecurity: Many residents struggle to rely on imports because they have limited access to fresh and affordable produce. Rooftop farms establish hyper-local food sources, empowering the community to reduce its dependency on distant supply chains and improve its dietary habits.

• Expanding Renewables and Energy Efficiency: Solar panels installed alongside green rooftops provide renewable energy, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This dual approach maximizes the utility of rooftop spaces, ensuring both ecological and economic benefits.

Key Benefits of Green Rooftops and Solar Panels in Coney Island: A Multifaceted Impact

• Health Benefits: Access to fresh produce will enhance nutritional habits, reduce the community’s reliance on processed foods, and promote better overall health. Green spaces will diminish stress levels, sharpen mental clarity, and incentivize physical activity among residents. Solar panels will lower energy costs, especially during peak cooling seasons, indirectly supporting health outcomes.

• Environmental Impact: Implementing green rooftops will cool urban areas, lower cooling costs, and improve living conditions in neighboring buildings. Solar panels will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease the neighborhood’s carbon footprint.

• Economic Opportunities: The initiative will create valuable job opportunities in urban farming and renewable energy installation through training programs, particularly for the youth and underemployed residents, fostering financial empowerment. Revenue generated through the sale of produce and solar energy savings can be reinvested into future community development projects.

• Educational Advancements: Rooftop farms and solar panels will function as living laboratories, offering students and community members the opportunity to learn about sustainability, biology, and renewable energy in an engaging, hands-on environment.

• Community Building: Gardening and solar energy initiatives foster collaboration, drive community pride, and strengthen residents' social bonds. Shared green spaces promote inclusivity and intergenerational learning, weaving Coney Island’s diverse community together.

Why it Matters

Coney Island is a dynamic neighborhood in New York City facing significant socio-economic, environmental, and public health challenges. The area's food insecurity rate exceeds the city average, with many residents lacking reliable access to fresh produce. Additionally, the urban heat island effect results in temperatures up to 7°F higher than surrounding areas, adversely impacting public health and increasing cooling costs for vulnerable populations.

The awareness surrounding green infrastructure continues to grow, yet the implementation in Coney Island remains limited. Only four buildings in the area boast green rooftops, highlighting a significant opportunity for expanding sustainable rooftop initiatives. Integrating green roofs alongside solar panels offers multiple benefits, including mitigation of urban heat islands, effective stormwater management, enhancement of local biodiversity, and generating renewable energy for community use. Solar panels further increase energy efficiency by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The prevailing low adoption rate underscores the need to promote environmentally conscious design practices that align with broader sustainability objectives.

Potential Green Roof and Solar Panel Candidates Under Local Law 97

Source: Urban Systems Lab. (n.d.). Interactive map: NYC urban systems lab. 

By New York City's Local Law 97, which mandates a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for buildings, several rooftops in Coney Island emerge as prime candidates for integrating green roofs and solar panels. Noteworthy options include P.S. 329, The Surfside School, Surfside Gardens, and Searise Renting, all of which feature expansive rooftops well-suited for implementing green roofs and renewable energy systems. By adopting these solutions, these properties can comply with Local Law 97 and transform into sustainable hubs that yield ecological, social, and energy efficiency benefits for the community.

This ambitious proposal seeks to capitalize on underutilized rooftop spaces atop residential buildings, schools, and community centers throughout Coney Island. By implementing this network of urban gardens, hydroponic farms, and solar energy systems, the project aspires to:

• Combat Food Insecurity: The initiative will address the pressing issue of food deserts by delivering fresh, locally grown produce to residents and ensuring that all community members can access nutritious options.

• Enhance Mental and Physical Well-Being: Creating therapeutic green spaces will support mental health and physical fitness, allowing residents to immerse themselves in nature and engage in restorative activities.

• Mitigate Environmental Challenges: Green rooftops will help alleviate the urban heat island effect by providing shade, lowering ambient temperatures, and significantly improving neighborhood air quality. Solar panels will reduce energy consumption, enhance energy resilience, and lower electricity costs.

• Educate and Empower the Community: This project will foster a sense of agency among residents through hands-on learning experiences in urban agriculture and renewable energy systems, equipping them with the knowledge that deepens their connection to their food and energy sources.

• Strengthen Community Bonds: This project will cultivate a sense of belonging and resilience within the diverse population of Coney Island by promoting collective participation in gardening and sustainability initiatives.

Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Community Health Profiles 2015: Coney Island and Surrounding Areas (BK13). New York City Government, 2015, www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/data/2015chp-bk13.pdf.

The bar chart illustrates the estimated obesity rates across various regions of New York City, including Coney Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. This visualization highlights the percentage of the population classified as obese in each area, providing a comparative analysis of obesity prevalence.

The chart shows that the Bronx has the highest obesity rate, at 35%, while Manhattan has the lowest, at 25%. Coney Island, a focal point in this analysis, has a 32% obesity rate, slightly above Brooklyn (29%) and the city's average. These insights are critical for identifying regions that may benefit from targeted health interventions and programs that promote healthier lifestyles.

The data underscore the importance of localized health initiatives to address obesity-related challenges in New York City. They offer a foundation for public health planning and resource allocation. Incorporating solar panels alongside green rooftops could amplify the health benefits by reducing energy costs for cooling during summer, contributing to improved public health outcomes.

Food Access Challenges in Coney Island vs. New York City

Data source: Foodscape: Coney Island." NYC Food Policy Center

Coney Island faces food access challenges, with a high reliance on bodegas, significant food insecurity, and more households depending on SNAP benefits than NYC overall.

Environmental Challenges

The area is significantly impacted by urban heat island effects, primarily attributed to extensive paved surfaces and deficient greenery. Implementing green rooftops and solar panels presents a viable solution, offering shade, reducing ambient temperatures by 2-5°F, and generating renewable energy. These green roofs enhance air quality by filtering particulate matter and absorbing carbon dioxide, while solar panels directly cut greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing clean energy sources. Notable case studies from cities such as Chicago and Toronto have evidenced substantial improvements in urban microclimates due to these technologies. Integrating these features into Coney Island's infrastructure could provide similar advantages, mitigating heat stress, fostering public health, and promoting energy resilience.

Implementation Plan: A Strategic Roadmap

Source: Brooklyn Grange Farm, 2024

The following pictures show Brooklyn Grange, an excellent example of how green roofs would look and positively impact Coney Island.

How to Get it Done

Phase 1: Planning and Feasibility

• Conduct thorough rooftop surveys to identify ideal locations for farming endeavors, assessing structural integrity and suitability.

• Collaborate with structural engineers to evaluate and ensure the feasibility of rooftop installations.

This comprehensive framework equips Coney Island with the tools to embrace a sustainable future deeply rooted in health, community engagement, and a renewed relationship with nature. We can revitalize the neighborhood by transforming rooftops into vibrant urban farms and creating a thriving, interconnected community.

Phase 2: Design and Installation  

Action: Collaborate with urban agriculture experts to craft modular systems specifically designed for the unique conditions of rooftop environments.  

Action: Implement hydroponic systems, integrate rainwater harvesting setups, and construct lightweight raised beds to optimize space and resources.

Phase 3: Community Engagement and Education  

• We propose hosting various informational events, such as workshops, open houses, and online webinars, to educate residents about the project and recruit volunteers. Workshops will provide hands-on gardening demonstrations, while open houses will feature guided tours of the rooftop farms to generate excitement. Online webinars will ensure accessibility for those unable to attend in person.

• Organize informational events to educate residents about the project while recruiting volunteers for active participation.  

• Establish a community council to oversee the project's operational aspects and facilitate ongoing resident feedback.  

• Create comprehensive workshops and hands-on training programs to empower participants with the skills needed for practical urban farming.

Phase 4: Operations and Sustainability

• Train residents to be farm coordinators, ensuring the smooth management of daily operations.  

• Develop robust distribution networks for the produce, emphasizing support for local markets and food pantries.  

• Employ a monitoring system to track progress through key metrics, including food output, participation rates, and health outcomes.

Stakeholders and Collaborators 

• Coney Island Residents: Engage actively in gardening efforts, workshops, and community council activities.  

• Property Owners and Managers: Facilitate rooftop access and assist with ongoing maintenance.  

• Local Government Agencies: Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks while providing potential funding opportunities.  

• Educational Institutions: Utilize urban farms as experiential learning tools for students.  

• Non-Profits and Urban Farming Experts: Provide technical expertise and essential resources.  

• Health Organizations: Partner to deliver nutrition workshops and wellness programs.  

• Founders: We recommend pursuing grants from the USDA, NYC Green Infrastructure programs, and private sponsors. Key opportunities include the USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant for hydroponic systems and green roofs and NYC’s Environmental Protection Grant Program for stormwater management. Highlighting successful case studies, such as the Brooklyn Grange rooftop farm, will strengthen our proposals by showcasing potential outcomes and impacts of our initiatives.

Expected Outcomes  

• Fresh Produce: Improvement in food security and enhancement of dietary habits among residents.  

• Social Cohesion: Fostering stronger relationships and community pride through collaborative efforts.  

• Environmental Gains: Reduction in urban heat island effects, decreased stormwater runoff, and enhanced air quality.  

• Economic Impact: Generation of job opportunities, skill development, and potential revenue streams from produce sales.  

• Educational Growth: Elevated awareness and understanding of sustainability and urban agricultural practices.

Data source: NYC Food Policy Center. "Foodscape Coney Island." NYC Food Policy Center, Hunter College

This visualization highlights the potential impact of green roof projects on urban food security. The Food Insecurity Rate Decreased from 20.6% to a hypothetical 15.0%, and the meal gap decreased from 3.798 million meals/year to 3.0 million meals/year.

To conclude, Coney Island's green rooftops and solar panels are not just an environmental upgrade. They’re a pathway to a healthier, more connected, and resilient community. By addressing pressing issues like food insecurity, urban heat islands, energy efficiency, and mental health challenges, this initiative positions Coney Island as a model for sustainable urban living. Similar projects in New York City have reduced urban temperatures by 2-5°F, improved air quality by filtering pollutants, and decreased energy costs. Focusing on measurable outcomes, such as reducing local food insecurity rates by 15% and lowering carbon emissions through solar energy, would underscore the initiative's viability and replicability in other neighborhoods.

Source list

"Brooklyn Grange." Brooklyn Grange Farm, 2024, www.brooklyngrangefarm.com. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

"Foodscape: Coney Island." NYC Food Policy Center, Hunter College, www.nycfoodpolicy.org/foodscape-coney-island/#demographics. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

NYC Food Policy Center. "Foodscape Coney Island." NYC Food Policy Center, Hunter College, 2023, www.nycfoodpolicy.org/foodscape-coney-island/. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Community Health Profiles 2015: Coney Island and Surrounding Areas (BK13). New York City Government, 2015, www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/data/2015chp-bk13.pdf.

"Hydroponics May Be the Future of Urban Farming." Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

"Urban Farming and Green Roofs in New York City." City of New York, www.clc.gov.sg. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

"Randall’s Island Urban Farm." NYC Food Policy Center, www.nycfoodpolicy.org. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

"Red Hook Farms." NYC Food Policy Center, www.nycfoodpolicy.org. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

"Keeping it Green: Urban Farming and Planting Program to Expand to More Brooklyn Schools." News 12 Brooklyn, brooklyn.news12.com. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

"Vertical Hydroponics in Urban Settings." Urban Oasis, www.urbanoasis.org. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

"Gotham Greens’ Rooftop Greenhouse." Gotham Greens, www.gothamgreens.com. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Urban Systems Lab. Interactive Map: NYC Urban Systems Lab. n.d.,http://nyc.urbansystemslab.com/?mapKey=%22-LXWldsBmv1nw1PxADK1%22&mapPosition=%7B%22longitude%22%3A%22-73.984537%22%2C%22latitude%22%3A%2240.567695%22%2C%22pitch%22%3A%2250.00%22%2C%22bearing%22%3A%220.00%22%2C%22zoom%22%3A%2213.71%22%7D&locationKey=%22-L6-k2TKsF3Wz2SM_Ph1%22. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.