“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?
Nearly Half of New York City Burdened by Pollution
Communities of color make up the majority of people harmed by pollution, as well as heat and flooding, says the study, which is New York City’s first comprehensive survey of environmental injustices.
New York City Debuts Roomier Subway Cars
The car design is used throughout Europe and Asia, but it’s a first for the U.S.
East River Floodgates Rising in NYC
A tour of new infrastructure designed to protect the city’s East Side from catastrophic flooding.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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