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.
New York Flood Control Plan Takes Lessons From the Dutch
The Netherlands has a long history of flood mitigation. U.S. cities, threatened by coastal flooding and erosion, are taking note.
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.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Mississippi Aims to Abolish Income Tax — and Replace it With Gas Tax
The new gas tax would fund MDOT and the Strategic Multi-Modal Investments Fund.
Louisville Launches ‘Anti-Displacement Tool’
After a years-long, tenant-led effort, Louisville will use a new tool to analyze whether a proposed housing development can meet a neighborhood’s housing needs and income levels. If it doesn’t, the city won’t subsidize it.
Detroit Transit Agency Requests $20M Budget Increase
The Detroit Department of Transportation wants to boost ridership by hiring more drivers, buying new buses, and enhancing station infrastructure.
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