Uploaded on 2019-02-16 by Mark Stepsis

My immediate area has many paved surfaces like parking lots and only a few scattered trees which do not provide much shade. However, open water surrounds much of my neighborhood in the form of a tidal creek and Long Island Sound. These open water bodies provide cooling breezes which greatly mitigate the UHI. I would propose increasing dwelling density by allowing mixed use zoning with higher height limits than is currently the case. I would also reduce the amount of parking available. Both of these measures would promote walkability and reduce car dependence and allow for grass and trees to replace some of the paved surfaces. I would also reorient mixed use buildings so they front onto the tidal creek instead of turning their backs on it and forcing people onto a streetscape that is cut off from the cooling waterways. I am not aware of any UHI related policies in my area.