Bridgeport, CT

Connecticut is historically not known for heat, but in recent years have experienced more frequent heat waves which has raised concerns for local residents who are unaccustomed to rising temperatures. The West Side neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut has lower tree canopy than surrounding areas and more exposure to air pollution due to the impact of nearby industries.

Groundwork Bridgeport and PT Partners are working together to conduct a stationary monitoring study focused on the West End/West Side neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut, with a focus on understanding the impact of heat at unshaded bus stops and in public parks with little to no tree canopy, and finding solutions that can inform upcoming sustainability planning. CCHM has provided guidance and best practices on how to engage volunteers as “stewards” of long-term monitors, as well as co-development of a community heat survey.

Groundwork Bridgeport is a community-based non-profit with the mission to bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement, and management of the physical environment, by empowering people, businesses, and organizations to promote environmental, economic, and social well-being. PT Partners is a “Leaderful Organization” that provides a replicable model for the transformation of public housing neighborhoods into community-led, asset-based, healthy communities.

Data analysis and modeling for this project will be provided in partnership with the Data-Driven Envirolab of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.