It’s been seven years since Hurricane Sandy caused extensive flooding in the New York metro region, and progress on resiliency since then has been slow.
One city planning study called “Resilient Neighborhoods” has focused on communities facing unique risks for coastal flooding. This program produced recommendations to harden these neighborhoods in the Bronx in the spring of 2017. It could be the basis of a more extensive initiative to boost resiliency in New York.
But the city has much more to do to defend itself from another storm of Sandy’s magnitude, with individual property owners facing difficult challenges and concepts for regional coastal defense needing more time to plan and implement due to their considerable complexity. Some code changes, such as one that permits a slight increase in building height to create storage lofts to replace basement space vulnerable to flooding, have been enacted. It will take time for owners to take advantage of this option, though.
Residents of a large co-op development, Edgewater Park, have been slow to make renovations after co-op bylaws and city zoning rules were amended to allow structures to be elevated.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2017
New guidelines for quality control on application of membrane roof systems released
NRCA document provides guidance for on-site evaluation.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2017
New app calculates maximum allowable heights for building occupancy types, classes of construction
The app streamlines compliance on various types of construction.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2017
California lawmakers pass bill that requires GCs to pay wages of sub employees if subs fail to pay
The measure will go into effect in January if the governor signs it.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2017
Ambitious but realistic increase in clean energy would cut GHG emissions by 80% in the U.S.
NRDC report says goal can be achieved with existing tools.
Codes and Standards | Oct 3, 2017
Reducing duct leakage is focus on latest green building standards updates
ASHRAE 189.1 broadens testing requirements to include more types of ducts.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2017
Nationwide retrofit strategy in Canada could cut 51% of emissions from large buildings
The roadmap provides government and industry with a targeted plan.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2017
Resources available for new OSHA respirable crystalline silica regulation
NRCA offers compliance tools for contractors.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2017
New tool compares HVAC system efficiency
IAPMO and Hydronics Industry Alliance unveil BEST to evaluate systems in early design phase.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2017
Anti-drone technology can ward off unauthorized drone flights
The technology can be used to prevent terrorist attacks and spying.
Codes and Standards | Sep 25, 2017
How-to guide to renovating shopping centers available
E.U. research project focuses on energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
