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.
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.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
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City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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