“Several new developments are slated for construction in areas damaged by the storm such as Gowanus, Red Hook, and DUMBO,” writes Nicole Anderson, raising concerns about the appropriateness of development there and proper due diligence.
Though climate change and rising sea levels are a newly tangible risk to waterfront properties in New York, “developers have no intention of walking away from these projects” asserts Anderson, adding, “[i]nstead, they say they're taking into account the impact of the storm and re-thinking certain elements of their plans.” The Lightstone Group plans to carry on with a 700-unit development, which will accommodate up to 1,000 individuals along the Gowanus Canal, a designated Superfund site. Company spokesperson, Ethan Geto, responded to concerns expressed by area Councilmember Brad Lander about the project's potential health and safety risks, by stating that the project was designed to exceed FEMA's standards.
Similarly, in Red Hook, two renovation projects proposed by developers Industry City and Alessandro Cajrati Crivelli are still in the pipeline, reports Anderson, with plans to convert buildings into new condos, artist studios, exhibition and retail space. Development representatives assert that they have been taking precautionary measures appropriate for the area's zoning and flood expectations, such as raising mechanical equipment and parking above grade. Developers foresee future changes in policy and permitting processes, but remain confident in the resiliency of the waterfront, and in the robustness of a market for continued development there.
FULL STORY: Sandy Who?
‘Instagrammed to Death’ or a Return to Pre-Pandemic Normal?
Familiar controversies might seem reassuring in 2022.
In Battery Park City, Public Infrastructure Meets Climate Resilience
A massive project underway in Lower Manhattan seeks to protect the shoreline from future flooding and mitigate the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.
Net Zero Development Coming to New York City
The project, which relies largely on geothermal energy to minimize its carbon footprint, will bring affordable housing and boost storm resilience to an area devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
Redesigning Streets for Livability: A Global View
An excerpt from the introduction of the recent book, “Streets For All: 50 Strategies for Shaping Resilient Cities,” edited by Vinayak Bharne and Shyam Khandekar.
Bend Eliminates Parking Minimums
The city is complying with an Oregon state mandate that some cities have challenged in court.
Scottsdale Cuts Water Supply to Nearby Suburb
The city claims it has no responsibility to provide water to the unincorporated Maricopa County community.
How To Prevent ‘Green Gentrification:’ Lessons from the BeltLine
For one author, the key is focusing on affordable housing from the start.
Push and Pull: The Link Between Walkability and Affordability
The increased demand for walkable urban spaces could make them more and more exclusionary if cities don’t pursue policies to limit displacement and boost affordability.
El Paso Freeway Cap Linked to Road Expansion
A deck reconnecting neighborhoods divided by the interstate is part of a controversial freeway expansion proposal.
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