This Climate Adaptation Forum took place on June 20th, 2017. A changing climate affects how professionals plan for and execute waterfront development. New threats include rising seas, heavier storms, stronger winds, and increased riverine flooding, in addition to more hot days, fewer days below freezing, and longer periods of drought. This event provided those who work on waterfront development with a forum to learn about and discuss threats and solutions.
The workshop included presentations from experts involved in the analysis, design, management, and regulation of waterfront development. Presentations focused on latest research, real world lessons from building in floodplains, the growing likelihood that development will be exposed to water in coming years, and policies and guidelines to minimize the impacts of these hazards. Panelists took questions from participants about specific issues they may be facing.
Workshop Summary [0.2 MB pdf]
Program
- Welcome/Overview
Rob Graff, Manager, Office of Energy & Climate Change Initiatives, DVRPC - Overview of current & future climate impact on waterfront sites [2.6 MB pdf]
Michael Tantala, P.E., Principal with Tantala Associates - Baltimore’s plan to protect and preserve its waterfront [4.6 MB pdf]
Kristin Baja, CFM, Climate Resilience Officer for the Urban Sustainability Directors Network and Certified Floodplain Manager. Formerly, City of Baltimore Office of Sustainability - Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines (WEDG) [3.3 MB pdf]
Roland Lewis, President and CEO., The Waterfront Alliance, NYC - Waterfront development in Schuylkill River flood plain [0.8 MB pdf]
Helen Ignas, Oliver Tyrone Pulver Corporation - Philadelphia Navy Yard – Delaware River Waterfront [2.5 MB pdf]
Thomas Friese, P.E., Land Development Division Manager, Pennoni - Moderated discussion and questions
Barry Seymour, Executive Director, DVRPC - Wrap-up and next steps
Chris Linn, Manager, Office of Environmental Planning, DVRPC - Networking Lunch
Handouts
- Meeting Agenda [0.1 MB pdf]
- Panelists and Moderator Bios [0.1 MB pdf]
- Participant List [0.1 MB pdf]