Unmaking Infrastructure: How NYC Can Combat Flooding in Staten Island and Queens
Introduction: Rethinking NYC’s Approach to Flooding
As sea levels rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, New York City faces mounting challenges in managing flooding. Staten Island and Queens, which were heavily impacted by Hurricane Sandy, remain especially vulnerable to storm surges and tidal flooding.
Inspired by projects like SCAPE’s **Public Sediment for Alameda Creek**, NYC can adopt “unmaking” practices to replace hard, inflexible infrastructure with adaptive, nature-based solutions. These methods not only mitigate flooding but also restore ecosystems, improve water quality, and enhance public spaces.
What Is “Unmaking” Infrastructure?
“Unmaking” infrastructure involves dismantling rigid, human-made structures—like concrete channels and seawalls—that disrupt natural processes. Instead, this approach focuses on restoring natural systems, such as wetlands and tidal flows, to create resilient landscapes capable of adapting to climate change.
For NYC, this means moving away from traditional barriers and embracing living shorelines, restored marshes, and sediment flows that protect against floods while promoting ecological health.
Case Study: Applying “Public Sediment” Ideas in Staten Island
SCAPE’s **Public Sediment for Alameda Creek** demonstrates how sediment flows can be restored to support tidal ecosystems and reduce flood risks. Staten Island’s **Tottenville Shoreline** could adopt similar methods by integrating:
- Living Shorelines: Replacing bulkheads with planted marshes that absorb wave energy and filter pollutants.
- Restored Sediment Flow: Encouraging natural sediment deposits to rebuild eroded shorelines and enhance flood barriers.
- Community Access: Creating pathways and observation areas that connect residents with revitalized coastal ecosystems.
Eco Fact: According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov), living shorelines can reduce wave energy by up to 50%, providing long-term coastal protection.
Flood-Resilient Design in Queens
In Queens, areas like **Howard Beach** and **the Rockaways** face regular flooding due to their proximity to Jamaica Bay. By adopting unmaking strategies, these neighborhoods can achieve greater resilience. Potential solutions include:
- Wetland Restoration: Reestablishing salt marshes to act as natural sponges, absorbing floodwaters during storms.
- Permeable Pavements: Replacing impermeable surfaces with materials that allow rainwater to seep into the ground, reducing runoff.
- Green Roofs and Urban Forests: Adding vegetation to roofs and public spaces to manage stormwater and cool urban areas.
These strategies not only reduce flood risks but also improve air quality and provide recreational opportunities for residents.
Challenges and Opportunities
Implementing unmaking practices in NYC comes with challenges, including the high costs of removing existing infrastructure and navigating complex regulatory frameworks. However, the benefits—such as long-term savings on flood repairs, improved ecosystems, and enhanced community spaces—far outweigh the difficulties.
Collaboration between local governments, environmental organizations, and communities is essential to drive these initiatives forward. Leveraging grants and programs like FEMA’s **Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)** fund can help offset costs and accelerate progress.
