Although power has been restored to much of Lower Manhattan, tenants of many of the area's residential and commercial buildings face a long and uncertain recovery before they can return. What will be the long-term effects on waterfront development?
With their lights back on and elevators operating, the easy part of repairing the many commercial and residential buildings in downtown Manhattan that suffered flood damage as a result of Superstorm Sandy is complete. However, according to N. R. Kleinfield, "the full extent of the damage to these buildings, which include major
office towers along Water, State and Front Streets, remains unclear.
Many owners are still furiously pumping out water, some of it
contaminated by toxins."
With "mechanical and
electrical systems destroyed by millions of gallons of water from
swollen rivers," and special cleanups required to clear contaminants, residents and office tenants like the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Morgan Stanley, The Daily News, and the Department of Homeless Services are learning that they may not be able to return to their homes and offices until Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or long after that.
With the potential adverse impacts of living and working near the city's waterfront now clear, Michelle Higgins looks at the prognosis for continued waterfront development. "Although real estate experts say property values are unlikely to suffer
in the long term, it is possible that new zoning and planning
regulations - and buyers' expectations - could reshape how residential
housing along the water is built, marketed and sold."
FULL STORY: Future Is in Limbo for the Damaged Buildings Close to the Water’s Edge
The Power of Urban Waterfronts
Humans' love of water makes waterways a particularly attractive urban amenity. Why did so many American cities let theirs languish?
River Scenes: How Rivers Contribute to More Vibrant Urban Communities
The role of rivers in urban areas shifted in recent years from production to consumption. Now, access to a river's waterfront has become a highly valued amenity within cities.
Saving Lower Manhattan
A debate over how to protect the East River waterfront from Sandy-level flooding and storm damage has delayed the project as community activists decry the city's last-minute change of plans.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service