A report from the Regional Plan Association maps out what might happen under 1, 3, and 6 feet of sea level rise. In the worst cases, several dense and populated regions are affected.
Using methodology developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, RPA's study "outlines the impact that 1, 3 and 6 feet of sea level rise could have on the [New York] region and the immediate actions that policymakers and residents should take to protect our region's most vulnerable places."
While beach communities along Long Island and the Jersey Shore often come to mind, flooding could impact populated areas throughout greater New York. Emily Thenhaus writes, "The communities of the Rockaways, Jamaica Bay and Coney Island are among the most threatened in New York City. With 6 feet of sea level rise, a possibility as soon as early next century, much of the Rockaway peninsula could be underwater."
Rising seas may also threaten the New Jersey Meadowlands if steps aren't taken. JFK airport is mostly protected from the brunt of the floods, but LaGuardia's runways are vulnerable.
There's more to come from RPA on the region's environmental future. "The study is a component of RPA's fourth regional plan, which will be released in 2017 and will put forth policies and proposals to mitigate climate change and confront its effects."
FULL STORY: Under Water: How Sea Level Rise Threatens the Tri-State Region
Life With Climate Change: A 100-Year Storm Every Year
The extreme weather events and sea-level rise of the relatively near future will overwhelm storm and flood infrastructure with startling regularity, according to new research.
Opinion: One Solution to Manhattan's Land Shortage: Just Build It
A New York Times op-ed calls on the city to add landfill development on Manhattan's southern shoreline, claiming it would increase affordability and protect the city from rising sea levels.
New York Needs Permeable Streets to Mitigate Future Flooding
To reduce the severity of disruptive subway flooding, the city can implement street-level solutions that absorb and redirect water before it reaches the train tunnels.
The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.
In Most U.S. Cities, Archaic Laws Limit Roommate Living
Critics argue laws preventing unrelated adults from living in the same home fail to understand the modern American household.
Ten Signs of a Resurgent Downtown
In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe continues his exploration of a holistic and practical approach to post-pandemic urban center recovery, anchored in local context and community-driven initiatives that promote livability, safety, and sustainability.
Few Landlords Pay San Francisco Vacancy Tax
Less than 3 percent of properties potentially subject to a new vacancy tax were filed as vacant in the last year, but empty storefronts in the city persist.
In Spite of Affordability Crisis, Richmond Rejects Manufactured Housing Plan
After declaring a housing crisis, the Virginia capital’s city council voted against a proposed manufactured home warehouse that would distribute replacements for aging manufactured housing stock.
A Planning Commission Podcast Journey: The 1,000 Joys of Planning
The Commissioners explore the facets of the planning profession that fill their cups with joy.
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
City of Orange
City of Charlotte - Charlotte Area Transit
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
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.
