“Several new developments are slated for construction in areas damaged by the storm such as Gowanus, Red Hook, and DUMBO,” writes Nicole Anderson, raising concerns about the appropriateness of development there and proper due diligence.
Though climate change and rising sea levels are a newly tangible risk to waterfront properties in New York, “developers have no intention of walking away from these projects” asserts Anderson, adding, “[i]nstead, they say they're taking into account the impact of the storm and re-thinking certain elements of their plans.” The Lightstone Group plans to carry on with a 700-unit development, which will accommodate up to 1,000 individuals along the Gowanus Canal, a designated Superfund site. Company spokesperson, Ethan Geto, responded to concerns expressed by area Councilmember Brad Lander about the project's potential health and safety risks, by stating that the project was designed to exceed FEMA's standards.
Similarly, in Red Hook, two renovation projects proposed by developers Industry City and Alessandro Cajrati Crivelli are still in the pipeline, reports Anderson, with plans to convert buildings into new condos, artist studios, exhibition and retail space. Development representatives assert that they have been taking precautionary measures appropriate for the area's zoning and flood expectations, such as raising mechanical equipment and parking above grade. Developers foresee future changes in policy and permitting processes, but remain confident in the resiliency of the waterfront, and in the robustness of a market for continued development there.
FULL STORY: Sandy Who?
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Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
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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.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research