An expert insists that a massive coastal engineering project in a National Park should consider different environmental impacts than a similar project along developed coastline.
Graham T. Beck writes of scientific opposition to plans by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state’s congressional delegation to spend $207 million dredging sand off of New York’s Fire Island to spread along beaches and dunes.
An ambitious plan, to be sure, but Robert S. Young, professor of coastal geology and the director of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western Carolina University, argues that the plan might not even work. Professor Young is quoted in the story: "The project does not provide the storm damage mitigation and storm-surge protection that is promised, or at least the U.S. Geological Survey comments on the plan question the science behind those proposed benefits."
Young claims that the comments on the plan also include concerns that the project might do more environmental harm than good from the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Audubon.
FULL STORY: New York’s Plan to Storm-Proof Fire Island Is Deeply Flawed, Says Scientist
Shoreline Plans for Road Expansion
Added traffic lanes, new roundabouts, and limited bike facilities are coming to N 145th Street.
Why Texas's $29 Billion Coastal Protection Plan Is Needed
The Houston Chronicle editorial board argues for the construction of the so-called 'Ike Dike,' but warns that more investment is needed to protect the South Texas coast from future storms.
Federal Storm Surge Study Called Off Suddenly, Leaving New York Exposed
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was on the verge of proposing a plan to protect New York City from storm surges and sea-level rise. Instead, the city of New York has lost federal support for a path toward climate resilience.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl
The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.
Trump: Federal Government Won’t Pay for California HSR
The President has targeted federal funding for the California bullet train project since his first administration.
San Francisco Enhances Urban Planning Initiatives with Green Infrastructure
San Francisco incorporates green infrastructure in its city development initiatives, elevating the importance of sustainability in urban planning.
Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.
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.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions