Bill Text: NY K00411 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending the Village of New Hartford upon the occasion of being designated as a Tree City USA for the 40th consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-05-08 - adopted [K00411 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-K00411-Introduced.html
Assembly Resolution No. 411 BY: M. of A. Miller COMMENDING the Village of New Hartford upon the occasion of being designated as a Tree City USA for the 40th consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those towns and villages of true purpose and high achievement whose exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring pursuit of excellence in local government in this noble Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Village of New Hartford upon the occasion of being designated as a Tree City USA for the 40th consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation, to be celebrated at an event on Wednesday, June 14, 2023; and WHEREAS, The Tree City USA program recognizes the importance of an urban tree canopy and improved care of vital village trees; and WHEREAS, The Village of New Hartford has once again achieved Tree City USA status by meeting the four core standards of sound urban forestry management: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget or at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation; and WHEREAS, Established in 1976, this four-step framework allows for communities to show environmental change is part of their communities' commitment; currently, all 50 states have Tree City programs which is the oldest of the Arbor Day Foundations' programs; and WHEREAS, A community's tree planting is a living memorial to the citizens' concern for the quality of life; the trees we plant and care for today will increase property values, cool and beautify our cities, fight pollution, conserve energy, and give wildlife a home for years to come; and WHEREAS, Trees are essential for life; they improve water quality by absorbing 25-35 percent of rainfall and controlling flooding better than a man-made system, restricting stormwater runoff from reaching our waterways, and filtering heavy metals and other pollutants; and WHEREAS, Trees enhance air quality by lowering outdoor temperatures, which reduces energy consumption and the pollution it creates; capturing carbon emissions that lead to climate change, a single tree removes 22 pounds of carbon per year; and absorbing hundreds of thousands of metric tons of air pollution a year and replacing it with oxygen; and WHEREAS, Trees build vibrant neighborhoods by inviting neighbors to go outdoors and connect with one another; reducing instances of vandalism, graffiti and littering; lowering crime rates and acts of aggression; and growing a sense of community; and WHEREAS, An effective community forestry program is an ongoing process of renewal and improvement, a program of tree planting and care which continues through the years; the Tree City USA award is an excellent indication that there is a solid foundation for that process of improvement; and WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon all citizens to recognize and applaud the efforts of local governments such as the Village of New Hartford which work tirelessly on behalf of protecting our natural surroundings for the benefit of present and future generations of New Yorkers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Village of New Hartford upon the occasion of being designated as a Tree City USA for the 40th consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Village of New Hartford.