In commemoration of its 10th anniversary, CCDI (Canarsie Community Development Inc.) hosted a fundraising gala on Friday, May 22nd, at the Paerdegat Squadron Hall, 1330 Paerdegat Avenue North, and honored three scientists – Dr. Brett Branco, Dr. Michael Menser and Dr. William Solecki – who have made significant contributions to the field of environmental science and the preservation of urban communities.
The Canarsie Merchants Association (CMA), a collaborative organization focused on advocacy, economic development and neighborhood engagement, was also recognized for supporting local businesses, strengthening commercial corridors and promoting growth throughout Canarsie.
Fresh Creek Nature Association and Fresh Creek Civic Association, along with Founder and President Maria Garrett, were also honored for their commitment to maintaining and preserving Canarsie’s Nature Preserve.
CCDI was founded after Superstorm Sandy ravaged the Canarsie community in 2012, leaving the unprepared residents devastated for years afterwards. Since its inception in May 2016, CCDI has focused on climate protection and community beautification, hosting Annual Plant Giveaways for homeowners who form block associations, so they could beautify their neighborhoods. “I just want everything to be green,” Harold Jones, executive director of CCDI, stated.
In the pursuit of fulfilling its mission, CCDI, whose motto is “Stronger Together,” has collaborated with numerous institutions such as the Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay (SRIJB), NYC Community Flood Watch Project and Canarsie Infrastructure Project, which provided them with vital resources including funding, educational support and an infrastructure survey that focused on flooding, as well as sinking homes in Canarsie.
Dr. Branco is an Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center, and the Executive Director of SRIJB. His research interests range broadly from water quality in urban estuaries and lakes to coastal climate adaptation.
He has partnered with other researchers, agencies and organizations to study, understand and address issues such as coastal flooding and sea level rise, the impacts of urbanization and climate change on water quality and the conservation and restoration of critical habitat such as the salt marshes of Jamaica Bay. He currently co-leads the FloodNet project, which aims to improve hyperlocal flood data collection in collaboration with New York City agencies and communities.
Dr. Menser, an Associate Professor in Philosophy and Urban Sustainability at Brooklyn College and an Associate Director of Public Engagement for SRIJB, is also co-Director of the NYC Climate Justice Hub.
He is a member of the Geography and Environmental Psychology programs in the Earth and Environmental Sciences at the CUNY Graduate Center and in the Community Ownership and Workplace Democracy Program at the CUNY School for Labor and Urban Studies.
Dr. Solecki is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science at Hunter College. His research focuses on urban environmental change, resilience and environmental transitions, generally, and urban climate vulnerability and adaptation, specifically.
He is currently serving as a coordinating lead author on the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities. Solecki is a co-founder of the Urban Climate Change Research Network (UCCRN) that now includes approximately 2,500 plus members and co-editor of the Network’s Climate Change and Cities Assessment (ARC3) report.
The gala was marked by speeches from Jones and other Board of Directors members, including Dr. Lucina Clarke who also emceed the event and Garrett who assisted with the award presentations. Guests enjoyed special singing renditions by attendee Amoako Buachie, as well as dancing to great music provided by DJ Robbie. During the festivities, Dorothy Lee, a representative from Assemblywoman Jaime Williams’ Office, presented CCDI with a citation on her behalf.
The group also drew numerous raffles, and winners received beautiful potted plants as prizes. They were also treated to a variety of libations from a well-stocked bar and served an exquisite dinner from Bev’s Cuisine.
Jones told the Canarsie Courier that CCDI’s inaugural gala exceeded his expectations and expressed gratitude to all who contributed to its success. “Their commitment demonstrates the importance of investing in community-based initiatives that strengthen the neighborhood we call home,” he stated.
