The East Side Coastal Resiliency project uses a series of berms, flood walls, flood gates and raised parklands to create a continuous 2.4-mile barrier to protect 110,000 residents of the Lower East Side in Manhattan from future coastal and tidal flooding.
The East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) Project, which is enhancing parks while creating a 2.4-mile long flexible flood barrier extending from Montgomery Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side up to Asser Levy Playground at East 25th Street, has received an Envision Gold Award for sustainability from ISI.
ESCR is a $1.45-billion climate resiliency project that will provide flood protection and improve open spaces for more than 110,000 New Yorkers, including 28,000 residents in NYCHA housing. This is especially significant for neighborhoods in the ESCR project area that were severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Managed by DDC, the project involves significant upgrades to public open spaces and five parks, including improved waterfront access through reconstructed bridges and entry points. It will also upgrade existing sewer systems to capture and manage precipitation during storms.
Construction of ESCR began near Stuyvesant Cove Park in November 2020. Last month, the City announced the reopening of Asser Levy Playground along with a new 45-ton sliding floodgate. The entire project, which is being done in phases to keep park areas open for use by area residents during construction, will be completed in 2026.
“It is affirmational to be honored for our work to protect New Yorkers from the impacts of climate change,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “In the face of the biggest environmental threat we all face – we will continue to plan ahead, innovate, and get stuff done for New Yorkers.”
“New York City is on the frontline of Climate Change, and East Side Coastal Resiliency is the largest demonstration of resiliency infrastructure underway in the Nation. We are proud to deliver enhanced recreation space for residents while protecting the East Side from the impacts of future storms.” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Thank you to the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure for honoring this important project and the Adams administration’s commitment to future-proofing New York.”
“DDC is honored to bring flood protection and improve open spaces for 110,000 New Yorkers who were affected by Sandy and who live in an area with limited recreational opportunities,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “DDC and all of City government are taking climate change seriously and targeting our efforts to the communities that need it most. I’d like to thank the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure for recognizing this project with its ‘Envision Gold Award.’”
“The ESCR project responds effectively to diverse stakeholder needs, applies the scientific evidence, and considers the lessons of extreme coastal weather — Hurricane Sandy in particular,” said Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Managing Director Melissa Peneycad. “The outcome is a multi-benefit project adding resilience to climate change impacts and ultimately positioning the East Side as a sustainable community with exceptional performance from a quality-of-life perspective. We are pleased to award this project Envision Gold for sustainability.”
In 2021, another project managed by NYC Department of Design and Construction received an Envision Gold Award: Starlight Park Phase 2.
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About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15.5 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.
PROJECT DETAILS AT-A-GLANCE
Envision-Verified Project: NYCDDC East Side Coastal Resiliency
Location: New York City
Envision Rating: Gold
Owner: NYC Department of Design and Construction
Project Delivery: Design-Bid-Build
Lead Envision Firm: HNTB-LiRo Joint Venture
Award Date: August 1, 2022
Project Phase: Under construction
For More Information: Visit the project website.
Download the Project Profile & Award Announcement.
