By the Numbers
$19B
in citywide damages and lost economic activity from Hurricane Sandy
Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency (LMCR) is the City’s plan to adapt Lower Manhattan to climate change, for this generation and the next. Be part of the process.
in citywide damages and lost economic activity from Hurricane Sandy
Climate change is the greatest threat New York City faces today. In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit New York City, flooding 17% of the city’s land, and claiming 44 lives. In Lower Manhattan alone, the impact of Hurricane Sandy was devastating, causing two deaths, damaging thousands of homes and interrupting a critical transportation hub.
Since then, the scientific community has reached consensus that, absent significant action, climate change will have devastating consequences at a faster rate than previously thought. Sea level rise, based on current projections, will submerge parts of Lower Manhattan on a regular basis in this generation and put critical infrastructure and jobs serving all of New York City and the region at risk. This includes our subway and ferry network, our sewer system, 10% of the city’s jobs, and many historic, cultural and community assets.
That’s why the City is taking bold, significant action, investing $500 million in climate adaptation projects to protect Lower Manhattan now, as well as planning for long-term climate adaptation to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
This plan for the area came into focus In March 2019, when the City released the Lower Manhattan Climate Resilience Study, a comprehensive look at current and future climate risks and impacts on Lower Manhattan.
The study assessed a broad range of climate hazards, including:
and found that:
The City’s investment to protect Lower Manhattan from the effects of climate change.
From the findings of the study, the City identified permanent adaptation projects and developed an overall strategy for the climate resilience of Lower Manhattan. These projects will protect 70% of Lower Manhattan’s coastline and will all be in construction by 2021.
Protecting a critical economic, cultural, and civic hub
Learn MoreOver the next two years, we will work with the Mayor’s Office of Resiliency (MOR) to complete The Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan, which will focus on closing a gap in climate protection for the area in the long-term. These neighborhoods represent a unique convergence of high climate risk and few adaptation options due to a waterfront that lacks the physical space needed to implement most large-scale adaptation projects. Due to these conditions, the City is planning to extend the shoreline with an in-water barrier, so that we have the space to integrate the protection we need. In partnership with the communities of Lower Manhattan, EDC and MOR will develop a comprehensive design and implementation for the shoreline extension, to ensure that we secure the future of Lower Manhattan and New York City.
Beginning in spring 2019, the City began a robust community process to discuss the study, its strategies, dedicated investments, and further planning. Each of the advancing capital projects as well as the master plan will have its own community and public engagement process.
Join the virtual walking tour to explore the Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency project first hand.
Check back soon for information on future meetings.
A study evaluating the feasibility of a multi-purpose levee (MPL)
Learn MoreTo learn more about LMCR, contact us.