CITY COUNCIL VOTES IN FAVOR OF EAST SIDE COASTAL RESILIENCY

AMNY: Despite strong opposition by area residents, the City Council on Thursday greenlighted a $1.45 billion proposal to raise the elevation of East River Park by 8 to 10 feet to protect it from future flooding.

The East Side Coastal Resiliency Project was approved with 46 council members in favor, 1 against, and 1 abstention during Thursday’s City Council meeting.

The project, which will be done in phases, will bury 2.4 miles of waterfront, from Montgomery Street to East 25th Street, with landfill, which officials say will protect Lower Manhattan from Superstorm Sandy-like weather events and sea level rise projected in 2050.

Councilwoman Margaret Chin said the decision was not an easy one on her part, but preventing future displacement from climate change was the priority in her urge for her counterparts to vote in favor of the plan.

As she spoke many in the audience hissed loudly to voice their displeasure. City Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, whose district is also within the scope of the project, was in support of the motion. Read more>>

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