ASC's Intersections Newsletter — October 16, 2025
Nora’s Note
Nora Madonick | CEO & Founder
Take a bow. Every day ASC clients extend the reach of communication to inform and engage communities about public planning—but when an international awards program notices a client’s achievement in connecting with the people and communities they serve—we stand and cheer. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) has been named a Finalist for Social Media Team of the Year in the 22nd Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The nomination, titled “Putting NYMTC on the Map Through Social Media,” recognizes the team’s success in transforming complex transportation topics into clear, engaging, and community-centered content. Arch Street Communications is proud to support NYMTC’s social media strategy, helping advance posts that make regional planning accessible and give New Yorkers a voice in shaping their transportation future. Winners will be announced this November in New York City. See the full list of finalists here.
Transportation
A long-clogged section of the Hudson River Greenway near West 54th Street now runs beneath the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, easing conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles. The redesign is part of a $350 million redevelopment of Pier 94 and supports NYC’s Greater Greenways initiative and citywide greenway master plan. Learn more about how this upgrade fits into the city’s broader mobility goals. (Source: Gothamist)
AMNY: IBX stop by stop: East New York could be in for real estate boom when light rail line arrives at Atlantic Avenue
Streetsblog: Eyes on the bridge: Queensboro Bridge bike and pedestrian paths are almost there
Mass Transit Magazine: Latinos in Transit marks 10 years of leadership and growth at 2025 summit in Albuquerque
Climate
Solar is rapidly outpacing gas in California’s energy mix, marking a major milestone in the state’s clean energy transition. So far in 2025, solar has generated nearly twice as much electricity as gas-fired power plants—fueled by expanded storage, new capacity, and favorable conditions. (Source: Canary Media)
Inside Climate News: Maryland’s Conowingo Dam settlement reasserts state’s clean water act authority but revives dredging debate
Grist: New England’s final coal plant shuts down years ahead of schedule
Anthropocene Magazine: A few strategic green flight paths could help sustainable aviation fuels get off the ground
Economic Development
New York City’s commercial waste zone program is expanding into the Bronx, marking a major step toward a cleaner, more efficient sanitation system. The two new zones will serve nearly 16,000 businesses, reducing truck traffic, cutting emissions, and improving worker safety. Read more to learn how this rollout supports the city’s zero-waste goals and sets the stage for borough-wide reform. (Source: Waste Dive)
Smart Cities Dive: Interactive map tracks housing shortages across Florida
The City: Check’s in the mail: a New Yorker’s guide to inflation refunds
Chalkbeat: Which NYC school districts have or lack resources? Chancellor Aviles-Ramos launches tool to keep track
Digital
Dartmouth has launched Evergreen, an AI-powered wellness platform created “by students, for students,” to help undergraduates manage stress, sleep, social connection, and focus through personalized behavioral guidance. The system uses context-aware data (e.g. routines, digital habits) and adapts interventions over time, while ensuring students consent to data sharing and the system remains under controlled research protocols. The rollout will begin with structured dialogue versions by late 2026, and more generative AI features will be tested later, all while maintaining rigorous evaluation. Dartmouth emphasizes that Evergreen is not a substitute for counseling and underscores the need for scientifically grounded, ethically designed mental-health tools. Read more to learn about mental health AI tools on campus. (Source: Forbes)
GovTech: New York launches hands-on AI pilot for state employees
Route Fifty: Detroit turns to drones in new era of transportation
Tech Crunch: Novoloop’s upcycled plastic takes a step closer to production
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