Submitted by Monica Prihoda
Walking Greenwich Point beach Friday morning, one could see five foot high mounds of sand washed up on the roadways and parking lots, ponds in the middle of field-like spaces complete with ducks swimming in them, a narrower width of beach and walking paths closed. All in the aftermath of what some call a nor’easter with 50 plus mph wind and torrential rain storm two days ago which closed the beach.
Then Friday’s 4.8 earthquake shaking our homes and causing Central Middle School students to be prophylactically moved (structural problems with the walls – but that’s another BET story).
What next? Or, when next as these events occur with more frequency? These, compiled with less noticeable yet “irritating” dark days of nonstop rain causing floods. Messy basements. No snow for kids to sled or ice to skate outdoors. Hotter, longer and sooner summers. Etc. Etc. Etc.
Climate change deniers scoff at these things. Hello! It’s not just California. It’s not just Florida! “We’ve got trouble – right here in River City, aka, Greenwich!” (paraphrased from “Oklahoma!”). We are a coastal town; we live next to a huge body of water.
I am disappointed to learn the proposed “Tree Ordinance” which was to be presented at the next RTM meeting has been pulled from the agenda due to some technical “legal order.”
If you cherish our green canopies created by old growth trees in particular and majestic landscapes which include all our properties in toto, I hope this proposal comes back! It will create a process of review by the Town prior to clear cutting of properties as happened at the now barren, flood prone eyesore we pass every day at 5 Brookridge at the corner of East Putnam Ave. Ouch! How could that happen? No process. It’s not just about beauty. It’s about flooding! It’s about the air we breathe!
Trees absorb water and give us back fresh, clean air!
I am heartened, however, that the “Net Zero Resolution” which remain on the RTM to do list. It will mandate the Town puts its money where its mouth is: a bona fide commitment to sustainability. To do otherwise is short-term “penny wise, pound foolish.” That is: in order to gain 20-40% energy savings that the Board of Selectman (thank you!!!) has mandated, the Town must take immediate steps to design and build new buildings to higher energy standards. Net Zero! Jobs in clean energy! Win-win!
It takes money to make money. By supporting Net Zero we as taxpayers have the possibility of saving millions of dollars and saving our own skins by helping the environment that supports our life.
Respectfully,
Monica Prihoda