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Climate Smart Communities Certification Report

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bronze Certified

This is the Climate Smart Communities Certification Report of North Tonawanda, City (Niagara). North Tonawanda, City (Niagara) is a bronze certified Climate Smart Community.

North Tonawanda, City (Niagara) was certified on September 19, 2022 with 132 points earned from 19 completed actions. Listed below is information regarding North Tonawanda, City (Niagara)’s Climate Smart Communities efforts and materials associated with its certified actions.

The certification for North Tonawanda, City (Niagara) will expire on September 30, 2027.

Contact Information

The designated Climate Smart Communities contact for North Tonawanda, City (Niagara) is:

Name:Austin Tylec
Title/Position:Alderman at Large / Common Council
Address:216 Payne Ave
North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which North Tonawanda, City (Niagara) was approved for in 2022 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • 1. Build a climate-smart community.

    PE1 Action: CSC Task Force

    20 Points
    Bronze Mandatory Silver Mandatory

    Program Summary: On April 6, 2021, the City of North Tonawanda passed a resolution calling for the creation of a Climate Smart Task Force. The Task Force was established and are now meeting on a monthly basis to review climate smart actions in order to make a positive impact on our community. Please reference page 1-3 of the attached resolution, PDF presentation of Task Force membership, and recent meeting minutes that include attendance. (20 points)

    PE1 Action: CSC Coordinator

    10 Points
    Bronze Mandatory Silver Mandatory

    Program Summary: Indicated on pages 1-3 of the attached resolution (reference last resolved clause), Austin Tylec has been designated as the CSC Coordinator and has been organizing the task force.

    PE1 Action: National/Regional Climate Program

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The City of North Tonawanda is designated as a Clean Energy Community by NYSERDA, after completion of four High Impact Actions, including Benchmarking, Energize NY Finance, LED Street Lights (Cobra Head Fixtures), and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing.

    PE1 Action: Partnerships with Other Entities

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The City of North Tonawanda partners with neighboring communities for a number of actions one of the City's key associations is serving as a member of the Western New York Stormwater Coalition (WNYSC). Through the WNYSC, the City shares resources and works with communities in Erie and Niagara counties to reduce stormwater pollution, protect our waterways, and enhance our quality of life. One initiative of the WNYSC in which the City has participated in the past, and is currently participating in, is the sale of compost bins and rain barrels. The attached document includes a list of the contacts for each community that participates in the WNYSC. On the seventh page, it shows that Jamie Davidson, serves as the City's designated point person for the WNYSC. Also attached is a pdf which shows the City's involvement in the sale of compost bins and rain barrels (with pick-up location in Wheatfield, NY).

  • 2. Inventory emissions, set goals, and plan for climate action.

    PE2 Action: Government Operations GHG Inventory

    16 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: In March 2022, the University of Buffalo Regional Institute (UBRI) prepared a government operations greenhouse gas inventory for the City. The inventory compares Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from multiple sources (municipal buildings, mobile sources, street lights, etc.) between 2019 and 2021 and indicates several opportunities for the City to improve its emissions performance. This document is available to the public upon request through the Mayor's Office at City Hall, and will be posted to the City's website, along with benchmarking reports and other climate smart related information: https://www.northtonawanda.org/content.100177.climate-smart-task-force

  • 3. Decrease energy use.

    PE3 Action: Government Building Energy Audits

    16 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The attached is the final utility bill audit report from Crimson Power, an energy performance contractor hired to provide energy services for the City. Crimson's energy performance contract (EPC) included a Level 1 utility audit for all accounts. The attached shows that all electric and natural gas accounts were reviewed for errors in rate class, meter reading accuracy, supply/demand charges, taxes and other fees along with next steps. Account numbers were removed from submitted document to protect the City. The Danforth Audit document represents Level 2 audits that were performed on 78% of the City's building stock. The summary document notes audits at City Hall, Department of Public Works (DPW), Water Filtration & Pumping plant, Wastewater Treatment plant, and Norman L. Keller building (also referred to as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) facility). Specific improvements and recommendations have been made to reduce energy consumption and associated costs at the facilities noted. Based on the City's facility list used for energy benchmarking (also attached) these buildings account for 902,363 square feet of the total 1,150,738 square feet of building space the City owns and operates. (16 points)

    PE3 Action: Benchmarking - Municipal Buildings

    2 Points

    Program Summary: The City of North Tonawanda adopted benchmarking requirements for municipal buildings in 2021; the benchmarking resolution is attached. Also attached is the NYSERDA notification and a screen shot of the NYSERDA status for this High Impact Action item.

    PE3 Action: LED Street Lights

    8 Points

    Program Summary: The City of North Tonawanda in partnership with National Grid has upgraded city street lights. NYSERDA notification and screen shot of status has been attached for reference.

  • 5. Use climate-smart materials management.

    PE5 Action: Compost Bins for Residents

    2 Points

    Program Summary: As a member of the Western NY Stormwater Coalition, The City of North Tonawanda participates in the sale of compost bins and accessories at whole sale prices to residents across Niagara County. The compost bin offered for sale is the 80-gallon Earth Machine Backyard Compost Bin and the Systern Rain Barrel. Locations for pick up being in Wheatfield NY. The attached document is what we make available to residents interested in these products. Also attached is the WNY Stormwater Coalition membership list. North Tonawanda is noted on page 8, and sale numbers for North Tonawanda as well as the WNY region.

  • 6. Implement climate-smart land use.

    PE6 Action: Smart Growth Policies

    9 Points

    Program Summary: The City of North Tonawanda adopted a new form based zoning district for the downtown area in 2019. Link to code: https://ecode360.com/8295875#38371065 (select section 103-13.4) or as seen in uploaded documentation. The code demonstrates the following smart growth principles: Mix land uses (1 point) - Section C.(1) (p. 2 of uploaded pdf) Use regulations allows all uses listed elsewhere in the zoning code anywhere in the Downtown Mixed Use District, except for a short list of prohibited uses Promote compact building design (1 point) - The D-1 (Section F.(1), p. 24) and D-2 (Section F.(2), p. 29) subareas in the District require new buildings to be located at or near the lot line, which promotes compact building design Diversity of housing opportunities (1 point) - Any type of housing is allowed in the District (see Section C.(1), p. 2) and the purpose statement for the District includes "a variety of housing choices" (Section A.(1), p. 1). Walkable neighborhoods (1 point) - A number of code elements promote walkable neighborhoods, including required outdoor amenity spaces (Section E.(1)(c), p. 8), facade requirements (Section E.(4), p. 10), no minimum vehicle parking (Section E.(6), p. 12) and required internal pedestrian routes (Section E.(6)(k), p. 14). Foster strong sense of place (1 point) - Facade requirements (Section E.(4), p. 10), landscaping requirements (Section E.(9)(a), p. 16) and prioritizing historic character throughout the code will collectively help foster a strong sense of place. Preserve open space, natural beauty, etc. (1 point) - Requiring outdoor amenity spaces (Section E.(1)(c), p. 8) and landscaping (Section E.(9)(a), p. 16) will help preserve open space and natural beauty. Direct development toward community centers (1 point) - The entire code section will strengthen opportunities for development in downtown North Tonawanda by allowing flexibility in uses and utilizing clear requirements for building form Promote density that facilitates non-car transportation options (1 point) - Requiring new buildings to be located at or near the lot line and large maximum building heights (Section F.(1), p. 24 and Section F.(2), p. 29) will promote density Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective (1 point) - The level of detail and thoughtfulness of this code section will make development predictable, fair and cost effective

    PE6 Action: Policies for Local Food Systems

    1 Points

    Program Summary: The City of North Tonawanda revised its Code to allow for the raising of chicken hens in 2012.

    PE6 Action: Complete Streets Policy

    4 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: On March 1, 2022, the City adopted its Complete Streets policy. Attached are the resolution adopting the Complete Streets policy as well as the policy. (4 points)

    PE6 Action: Infrastructure for Biking and Walking

    7 Points

    Program Summary: The City of North Tonawanda has been actively adding and improving its' existing trail systems and adding connections to the state's extensive Empire Trail. Completed projects run along the Niagara River on River Road from Gratwick Park to the downtown district; and along the Erie Canal from Gateway Harbor (Payne Ave) to Mayor's Park (3 points) . Projects also includes signage and way finding to provide positive direction and information to trail users. (2 points). The addition of bike parking added on Webster Street. Once all phases are completed the City of North Tonawanda will have a continuous trail from the running along the Erie Canal from the Botanical Gardens through the downtown district and running along the Niagara River to Gratwick Park with a connection to the New York Empire Trail. Completed 2021 River Road/River Trail Upgrades Gratwick Park to Goundry Street (connection point to future Empire Trail Extension) This project changed River Road from a four lane road to a three lane road and added a bike path lane in both directions. Also resurfaced the original trail and updated signage in preparation for the completion of the Empire Trail extension in 2022. (See attached images). Downtown Placemaking Project One component of this project was to add bike parking on Webster Street, completed 2021 (see attached images) Completed 2016 Erie Canal Bicycle Path Extension- Payne Avenue to Mayor’s Park Bicycle path development to connect Payne Avenue to Mayor’s Park. This shared bicycle path with motorists includes striping and signage. Completed in 2016. Projected Summer of 2022 Empire Trail Extension Currently under construction, this critical bicycle path connection will connect the River Road bicycle path to Gateway Harbor and extend over the Renaissance Bridge to connect to the City of Tonawanda Multi-Modal hub. This will make downtown NT more accessible for bicyclists and bring more visitors into our Downtown Projected 2023 Erie Canal Bicycle Path Extension- Mayor’s Park to Botanical Gardens Currently under design and expecting a Spring 2023 construction. This bicycle route will extend the Erie Canal Bicycle Path to terminate at the NT Botanical Gardens. Project includes striping, signage, and rest stops for bicyclists.

    PE6 Action: Local Forestry Program

    6 Points

    Program Summary: The City of North Tonawanda conducted a 2021 tree survey using a grant award from the New York DEC Urban and Community Program in 2020. The final deliverable from the Tree Inventory award is a “Community Forest Management Plan” which can be viewed at https://ntparksrec.com/forms/6243_final_draft_cfmp_ver8.pdf . (5 points) The City continued its’ annual Tree Planting Program, which provides trees for planting in the city right of way for residents and in city parks. The 2021 campaign planted 100 trees using city and citizen financial contributions. (2 points) The city maintains a long stating tree ordinance, last amended in 2010. (2 points) North Tonawanda continues to be an Arbor Day Tree City. (1 point)

  • 7. Enhance community resilience to climate change.

    PE7 Action: Green Infrastructure

    2 Points

    Program Summary: Two green infrastructure projects have been implemented to date in North Tonawanda. Each project captures under 4,999 cubic feet of stormwater per rain event. More information on each project including stormwater capture calculations, photos, design and maintenance are including in supporting documentation.

  • 8. Support a green innovation economy.

    PE8 Action: Farmers’ Markets

    3 Points

    Program Summary: This website is the official website of the City of North Tonawanda’s Market which has been supported by the City from its establishment in 1908. https://www.northtonawanda.org/city-market This website includes hours and dates of operation for the City and Farmers Market and vendor application for market use.

    PE8 Action: Brownfield Clean-up & Redevelopment

    10 Points

    Program Summary: 2008 North Tonawanda Comprehensive Plan – North Tonawanda’s most up-to-date comprehensive masterplan that identified brownfield sites as areas for remediation and economic development. Brownfield sites are listed starting on page 27 (PDF page 31) This document is submitted for element “Existing Comprehensive master plan prioritizing brownfield redevelopment” – 1 point 2012 CNT Brownfield Opportunity Area – North Tonawanda's approved nomination for the Tonawanda Island Brownfield Opportunity Area. Document clearly identifies a planning area to be prioritized for economic and green redevelopment. A BOA boundary map can be found on PDF page 6; A map of low, medium and high environmental concern areas is on PDF page 11; The final draft of the nomination study begins on PDF page 28; Descriptive profiles of relevant brownfields begin on PDF page 311. This document is submitted for element “Multiple Brownfield Site redevelopment plan/strategy” – 3 points 2021 Downtown Revitalization Initiative – North Tonawanda was selected to receive $10 million in federal funding to build off of the successes listed within the document. This document links together the designated Brownfield Opportunity Area (see map on PDF page 7) with previous and potential economic opportunities (descriptions begin on PDF page 8). The document also lists a summary of local planning documents that support the growth of the City’s downtown area and it’s brownfields (PDF page 36). This document is submitted for element “Multiple Brownfield Site redevelopment plan/strategy” – 3 points North Tonawanda COCs – NYS DEC Certificate of Completions for 600 River Road Apartments (PDF page 1), 815 River Road Investigation Site (PDF page 13), and 211 Main Street (PDF page 17). (Provide a Certificate of Completion from DEC to show that a site has been cleaned up; 3 COCs - 6 points

    PE8 Action: PACE Financing

    7 Points

    Program Summary: The attached documents show completion and approval of North Tonawanda joining the Open C-Pace Program.

  • 9. Inform and inspire the public.

    PE9 Action: Social Media

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The City's Parks and Recreation's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NTParksRec/) uplifts the climate smart related actions taking place in the city. Examples in the attached include expanding the City's bike path, our annual tree planting event, and the Botanical Gardens shoreline project.

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