In the Bronx, three acres of newly planted wetlands were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. As New York seeks to fortify its coast, should it rebuild this 'Paradise in the Bronx'?
The vision of developer Steven Smith, who built the three acres of wetlands in exchange for the right to develop the remainder of the 28-acre site in the Bronx, the "verdant slopes and grassy marshes" that resulted from two years of planning, nine months of work, and $1.5 million, were "washed away in a matter of hours by Hurricane Sandy’s 13-foot storm surge."
"What remain are a few patches of marsh grass, a Charlie Brown-like evergreen and one lonely, weedy mound just below a concrete wall," writes Liz Robbins.
Smith would like to rebuild the habitat, but as the city explores wetland restoration as one of several methods to fortify its coast, just how to do that is an open question. “This has to be done properly,” he said, shaking his head. “This is an environmental disaster. And you don’t want to repeat this mistake again.”
"Based on what survived [boulders piled as riprap and a mile-long 15-foot-high cast-concrete wall], Mr. Smith advocates rebuilding by integrating, or layering, hard and soft materials," says Robbins.
"Kelly Risotto, whose Land Use Ecological Services designed the habitat...said her company, based in Medford on Long Island, would replant in the spring." However, "[a] spokeswoman for the Environmental Conservation Department said it was still evaluating plans for the wetlands."
FULL STORY: In the Bronx, Restoring a Fleeting Paradise

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie