ASC's Intersections Newsletter — August 29th, 2025
Nora’s Note
Always-on power. New York is fourth in the nation in the generation of electricity from hydropower, making National Hydropower Day a locally important pause to consider the clean, nonstop power that moving water delivers to the grid. Hydropower turns river flow into electricity with turbines and generators, providing flexible capacity, black-start capability, and long asset life that anchors a resilient grid. Not only is hydropower a continually replenished power resource—it also supports economic and workforce development, community stability, and practical progress toward a cleaner energy mix. We’re proud to support and recognize entities like the New York Power Authority, which owns the two biggest hydropower plants—Niagara River and St. Lawrence—and to help deliver the information communities need to participate in mapping the current and future role of hydropower in New York’s clean energy infrastructure.
Transportation
A celebrated 145-year-old wooden footbridge in Sheepshead Bay has just been restored, reinforcing its role as a connector between neighborhoods. The Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, originally built in 1880, received all-new decking, railings, lighting, and structural upgrades, revitalizing a century-old local landmark. Across New York, bridge improvement projects are ongoing. Learn more about this restoration. (Source: AMNY)
Wbur.org: Hate traffic? Transit leaders and politicians want to boost water commutes
Mass Transit Mag: Transit agencies expand free and discounted passes for students as new academic year begins
Staten Island Live: New Staten Island Railway cars mean more standing, ‘much, much less’ sitting
Climate
Veridian at County Farm is an all-electric community currently under construction in Ann Arbor, Michigan. With solar power, electric battery storage, geothermal heat pumps, and a plan to serve a mixed-income 170-person community, this fossil-free neighborhood, one of the first in the country, could be a model for other communities to follow. Veridian—which is Latin for “green”—certainly has a following with 7,000 people having applied for the first 20 affordable units. Learn more about the community here. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Grist: Inside a Georgia beach’s high-tech fight against erosion
Canary Media: Clean energy is getting its own national day of action. It’s about time.
Happy Eco News: Staten Island landfill transformation: massive violet planting project begins
Economic Development
The New York City Council approved a rezoning plan for residential and mixed-use development that could create over 9,500 new housing units to 42 blocks in the Midtown South region of Manhattan. These areas known for their abundant employment opportunities and transportation options, but lack sufficient housing. The new developments will require 20-30% of a building’s floor space to housing units. Read more to learn about the wider scope of the plan and additional investments. (Source: Planetizen)
CBS 6: Albany leaders announce $3 million investment for Lincoln Square towers redevelopment
NorthJersey.com: North Jersey towns are among 10 getting affordable housing funding, training from state
Long Island Business News: Long Island grants boost small businesses, communities
Digital
Indigenous knowledge is offering new direction for the future of artificial intelligence. Rooted in long-term stewardship and collective well-being, these values challenge the speed and individualism that dominate tech development. From defending rights and data sovereignty to revitalizing endangered languages, Indigenous communities are shaping an AI future built on ethics and sustainability. Read more about how ancestral wisdom is guiding AI. (Source: Forbes)
GovTech: Improving ADA compliance in the built environment with GIS, AI
Route Fifty: Providence opens Rhode Island’s first ‘real time crime center’
Tech Crunch: This AI startup wants to help energy users find capacity on the electrical grid
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