In partnership with New York’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Arcadis shared a sneak peek of the Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan last week at a Community Open House. The Master Plan revealed how the waterfront of Lower Manhattan might transform and adapt to become more resilient to extreme storms and rising sea levels. Engineering-News Record featured the latest plans in an article available here.
Some notable changes recommended as part of the Master Plan are:
- Constructing a two-tiered esplanade, the lower tier elevated to about a foot above the Sandy high-water mark and the second that will be situated around two stories higher.
- Raising the shoreline by up to 18 feet higher (at the highest point).
- Extending the eastern edge of Manhattan's tip by up between 90 to 188 feet to allow for passive and active flood protection measures, including flood walls, gates and green infrastructure
The recommended changes were informed by significant community and stakeholder feedback during previous open houses and through ongoing collaboration with community organizations and residents. Arcadis also prioritized natural and nature-based features to manage stormwater, local energy generation and sustainable material usage where possible throughout the design. It’s anticipated that up to 19 subway lines will be protected, and more than $20 billion in potential flood-related losses could be avoided. Arcadis and EDC have partnered on the plan’s development since 2019, and will share the final master plan by the end of 2021. More information about the project is available here.
