Bus service provides a public benefit to riders across NYC and contributes to the economic health of the entire New York Metropolitan Area. The depots that store the buses, however, produce toxic emissions and other pollution that endanger the physical health and lowers quality of life for people who must live around them.
In September 2008, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, the Mother Clara Hale Community Task Force (MCHCTF) and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) joined together in a historic process in order to create a cooperative vision for the rebuilding of the Mother Clara Hale Bus Depot.
This groundbreaking collaboration transformed a former pollution source and burden of the quiet Central Harlem neighborhood into a shining example of green transit infrastructure.
In addition to incorporating sustainable technology, as part of the “makeover,” the MTA included an artwork installation that would honor the local community and the depot’s namesake Mother Clara Hale, and incorporated an employment agreement, that would encourage involving local training, hiring and contracting.
The demands below represent the priorities presented by WE ACT and the Task Force to the community and MTA, which were met through construction and operations:
- Best available technologies on all emission sources
- Prioritized assignment of hybrid electric buses to the MCH Depot
- Sufficient indoor parking to house the entire bus fleet
- Safe and sustainable depot lighting
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) designation
- Incorporated “green design” elements into the new structure, such as a green roof
- Landscaping and green spaces
- Rodent control and pesticide use
- Depot design by community charrette
- Safe practices on all demolition and construction activities
- Independent third party monitor and monitoring reporting
- Prioritized local minority and women owned businesses for project’s needs
- Local hire and training program
The bus depot officially re-opened on November 20th, 2014. We brought everyone back together in 2024 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the depot.