A controversial proposed housing development in Newark exemplifies the struggle between increasing housing supply and protecting vulnerable shoreline communities from flooding.
Although sea levels could rise by at least a foot in the next decade, reports Ezra David Romero, a developer is planning to go ahead with a controversial housing development on the shores of San Francisco Bay.
The project, which would build 469 badly needed housing units in Newark, would be located in a federal flood zone just outside the jurisdiction of the Bay Conservation and Development Commission. Despite the developer's plan to "drive in around 100,000 truckloads of dirt to raise the homes above potential stormwaters" and "line the banks with rocks to protect houses from waves," environmental groups say the measures aren't enough to mitigate anticipated damage.
In addition to the threat posed to the homes themselves, environmentalists argue that building the project would destroy local wetlands that serve as crucial natural flood protection. Thanks to urban development, only 10 percent of marshland in San Francisco Bay remains today. While the city has acknowledged the risk, it is also looking to the county and regional authorities to implement 'area-wide' mitigation projects.
Experts recommend clearer state and regional guidelines for approaching developments in coastal areas. "BCDC’s new regional sea level rise adaptation plan, Bay Adapt, includes a potential fix and is a road map for agencies and cities to create new policies to interpret the effects of climate change better."
FULL STORY: The Bay Is Rising. Newark Residents Wonder Why The City Plans to Develop Its Shoreline
Bay Area's First Climate Adaptation Project Could Be a North Bay Highway
State Route 37 is a vital highway connecting four North Bay counties plagued by two unrelated problems: chronic flooding during high tides and traffic congestion. Fixing the problem will set a precedent for Bay Area climate adaptation.
An In-Depth Look at Sea Level Rise in the San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Chronicle gives feature-length, in-depth treatment to the looming dangers of sea level rise, which are more likely to encroach on the built and natural environments of the Bay Area with every passing year.
How Cities Can Curb Climate Change and Protect Vulnerable Residents
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Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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