New York City releases climate resilience master plan for Lower Manhattan

At the end of 2021, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Mayor's Office of Climate Resiliency (MOCR) released the Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan. The project aims to protect Lower Manhattan from the consequences of climate change, such as storms, rising sea levels, and flooding.

The climate resilience proposal covers almost one mile of the waterfront from The Battery to the Brooklyn Bridge. The plan is estimated to cost up to $7 billion and take 15 to 20 years to complete.

Approximately one million people live in, work in, or commute through Financial District and South Street Seaport neighborhoods. By the 2050s, rising tides will flood the area monthly, and then, daily by the 2080s, if no actions are taken, according to the New York City Panel on Climate Change 90th percentile projections.

From now through 2100, the climate resilience master plan will save Lower Manhattan up to $20 billion in estimated losses from flooding.

The master plan involves the extension of the East River shoreline by up to 200 feet. In addition, the proposal includes multiple resilient ferry terminals, improved stormwater infrastructure, and floodwalls that will protect Lower Manhattan from coastal storms.

The plan features accessible entrances and pathways to get around the waterfront and new public open spaces, such as playgrounds, lawns, plazas, and cafes. In 2022, the Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan will apply for funding and state and federal permits.  

“This Plan for a protected and resilient waterfront in Lower Manhattan will help us fully confront the urgent and accelerating threat of climate change,” said former Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement released with the plan. “A recovery for all of us must ensure families, businesses, and communities in Lower Manhattan are able to withstand extreme weather and rising sea levels, which this vision guarantees.”

To view the plan, follow the link. 

Resources:

“See NYC’s sweeping master plan that promises climate resilience for Lower Manhattan,” by Michelle Cohen (6sqft, 2022)

“De Blasio Administration Releases Climate Resilience Plan for Financial District and Seaport,” (the City of New York, 2021)

“The Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan,” (Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency) 

“New York announces a multibillion climate resiliency plan for South Street Seaport and Financial District,” by Matt Hickman (The Architect’s Newspaper, 2021)

“Appendix D: New York City Panel On Climate Change 2015 Report, Chapter 2: Sea Level Rise And Coastal Storms,” (the City of New York)