ASC's Intersections Newsletter — September 25th, 2025
Nora’s Note
Winds of Change. ASC has long supported Equinor Renewables’ Empire Wind project and the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, New York’s first maritime hub for the new offshore wind industry now under construction in Sunset Park. From day one, public engagement and outreach to underserved communities in and around the project has played a central role with initiatives like the Offshore Wind Ecosystem Fund. So, it was especially exciting for our team to support last week’s WindScape Brooklyn grand opening, another milestone in bringing education and awareness about offshore wind to New Yorkers. The new Offshore Wind Learning Center offers something for everyone, including a Story Box theater, in an interactive facility that serves as the most recent example of public-private collaboration. WindScape Brooklyn reflects the kind of work we love most: turning complex topics into experiences that spark curiosity, build understanding, and strengthen trust between clean energy projects and the communities they serve.
Transportation
Mayor Adams announced that New York City recorded its lowest number of traffic fatalities since 2020, a milestone for the city’s Vision Zero program. Officials highlighted progress from street redesigns and the extension of school-zone speed cameras through 2030, which have curbed reckless driving. Learn more about how these strategies, alongside the NYC Streets Plan’s expanded bike infrastructure goals, are shaping a safer city. (Source: AMNY)
Gothamist: No more trash piles: City to install garbage bins in hundreds of Brooklyn parking spaces
Streetsblog: Seattle’s human population is up, but its car population isn’t
Mass Transit Magazine: MassDOT and MBTA launch water transportation study to investigate potential new ferry service
Climate
The Chicago River, which for nearly a century had been too polluted for human recreation, has undergone an impressive cleanup and this week welcomed 250 swimmers for its grand re-opening. Chicago is joining cities like Paris in transforming urban rivers from industrial dumping grounds to environmental and recreational centers. Advocates for the river restoration praise it as important for the environment, resident’s mental health, and climate resilience. Read more about the Chicago River cleanup here. (Source: Inside Climate News)
Canary Media: California just passed a suite of bills to tackle rising energy costs
Grist: Meet the small business owners electrifying Maine’s rural coast
Happy Eco News: Small-scale biodiversity arks and native plant restoration projects transform suburban landscapes
Economic Development
The MTA has mapped out the East Harlem lots and buildings it needs to acquire for the extension of the Q line. The MTA will use eminent domain to acquire properties for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway, which spans from the Upper East Side to 125th Street. The $1.9 billion project, slated to begin in 2026, will involve tunnel carving, the creation of new stations, and the restoration of existing segments. Read more about the development here. (Source: The City)
Smart Cities Dive: Amazon pledged to deliver affordable housing to the Puget Sound region. It just hit 10,000 units
Audobon: A new program helps New York’s public-housing residents discover the nature right outside their doors
Mass.gov: Governor Healey awards $15 million in housing development funds to build 829 homes in gateway cities
Digital
The New York City Autism Charter School is using virtual reality headsets to help autistic students practice social skills like raising hands and making friends in safe virtual environments. This approach is supported by research in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, which found VR interventions positively impact social skills in children with ASD. A systematic review of 31 studies confirmed VR's benefits for autism social skills interventions, while additional research shows VR enhances both cognitive and social communication abilities in autistic children. Teachers report real progress, with students becoming more social after VR practice. (Source: Chalkbeat)
GovTech: NYC initiative aims to attract international AI businesses
Route Fifty: How tech-assisted care coordination can help communities bounce back after severe storms
Forbes: Climate tech atlas could unlock net zero breakthroughs
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