ALBANY — Nearly 100 trees are planned for Second Avenue between Elizabeth Street and Delaware Avenue through a $75,000 state grant awarded to the city, Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs announced Oct. 29.
The funding comes from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Urban & Community Forestry grant program. The city’s Department of General Services will manage the project.
City officials said the planting is intended to add shade, improve air quality and enhance the appearance of the Second Avenue neighborhood. Frank Zeoli, executive deputy commissioner of General Services, said the corridor has long needed additional trees.
The project addresses two priorities in Applyrs’ Activate Albany Action Plan: expanding the city’s tree canopy and launching a citywide beautification and public realm initiative, according to the city.
The grant is funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. The trees will count toward the state’s goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033, according to DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.