Decade After Superstorm Sandy: Strengthening Community Resilience Locally

Community-Led Efforts in Sunset Park Address Environmental Concerns

In the heart of New York City, Sunset Park in Brooklyn is poised to become a hub for renewable energy, thanks to the determined efforts of local climate organizers. This neighbourhood, home to many Asian and Latine immigrants, has seen a significant shift in its focus towards environmental justice.

At the forefront of this movement is Elizabeth Yeampierre, an environmental justice leader and the Executive Director of UPROSE, an organization dedicated to environmental justice in Sunset Park. UPROSE has been instrumental in raising awareness about the environmental risks associated with the neighbourhood's manufacturing district, particularly the auto shops that handle harmful chemicals like methylene chloride and toluene.

One such auto shop owner, Malik Ashraf, was not initially aware of these risks. However, after a visit from UPROSE with questions about chemical storage and disaster preparedness, Ashraf decided to listen and act. He now keeps car paint off the ground and stores chemicals in yellow fireproof and waterproof cabinets.

The meetings to gather and share information happened a few blocks away from New Honeywell Auto at the offices of UPROSE and NYC-EJA. During these meetings, the importance of preventative measures was emphasized, a sentiment echoed by Muhammad Saqib, who migrated to New York from Pakistan in 2014.

The community-led efforts in Sunset Park are not just about reacting to disasters but also about adapting to the changing climate. This includes storing chemicals on higher ground and regularly checking auto equipment for leaks.

Uri Salazar, who has been working at New Honeywell Auto for a year, appreciates the efforts the shop is taking to keep Sunset Park safe. Arshad Ghumman, another worker at the shop, communicates his commitment to this cause through his focus on his work.

The Environmental Protection Agency has listed the automotive sector among its six national focus areas for funding through October 2023. This funding could further aid the community-led initiatives in Sunset Park.

In 2020, the automotive sector was responsible for 16 million pounds of toxic waste spilled, leaked, or dumped into the environment. However, the efforts in Sunset Park are a testament to the power of community action, as evidenced by the fact that Ashraf is one of the few auto shop owners who stayed engaged throughout the process.

The Jemez Principles, elegantly written on the wall of the conference room where the meetings took place, remind us of the important role democracy plays in situations of environmental injustice and pollution. These principles guide the work of UPROSE and the broader community in Sunset Park as they strive to create a safer, more sustainable future for their neighbourhood.

This article is about these community-led efforts in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, to address environmental concerns related to auto shops after Superstorm Sandy, which hit New York City in 2012, killing 48 people, leaving 8.5 million without electricity, and damaging or destroying over half a million homes. The resilience and determination of the Sunset Park community serve as a beacon of hope for other neighbourhoods facing similar challenges.