§ 178-1. Purpose.

Natural, pervious surfaces have a direct relationship to the health, safety and welfare of the community since the percolation of rainfall through soils reduces erosion and flooding, contributes to the replenishment of groundwater and groundwater ecosystems, provides for the removal of pollutants contained in surface waters, reduces the need for the public construction of storm drains, basins, and other off-site structures, provides a medium for the planting and maintenance of groundcover and trees, reduces heat and the need for air conditioning, absorbs air pollution, and adds to the aesthetic quality of the community. The covering of natural pervious surfaces with macadam, concrete, tiles, bricks, roofs, and other impervious surfaces for the creation of subdivisions and for residential and nonresidential development on private lots, even when dry-wells and other on-site storage and treatment systems are utilized, contributes to higher ambient temperatures and greater demand for energy, increased loss of habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife, covering of productive topsoil, global warming and ozone depletion, water pollution, all of which adversely affect the inhabitants of the City of New Rochelle. Trees are recognized as being able to mitigate the negative effects described above.