IDEAS FOR RECOVERY
could explore several small and large scale solutions to not only alleviate the load upon the existing infrastructure, but also retain the water during a storm surge and slow down its movement. Such solutions may include: • Building swales and retention zones just above the water’s edge, in order to absorb the water before it reaches the streets and adjacent homes. These wetland conditions could be designed as a separate infrastructural network, possibly following the existing street grid, and could be related to a redesign of Coney Island Creek and Coney Island beach amenities for better flood mitigation.
BUILDING A BETTER SEA WALL
• Building small scale bio-retention zones surrounding one’s property or home, thus absorbing water before it reaches the building.
Field team volunteers felt that one potential approach for aiding in recovery would be to produce a document for the community that outlines effective strategies for reconstructing the sea wall. The document could include such information as how to design a resilient sea wall, which construction methods and materials should be used, and case studies of other effective examples.
• Designing and building retention tanks where water can be directed during a storm surge. Alternatively, bio-retention should be considered in order to remove contaminants and sedimentation from storm water runoff and temporarily store storm water.
NATURAL MITIGATION STRATEGIES As a counterpoint to constructing a new sea wall, another suggestion was to develop natural mitigation strategies, such as sand dunes, that could offer heightened protection for the residents along the shoreline.
GUIDELINES FOR WATERFRONT CONSTRUCTION Field team volunteers felt that one potential approach would be to produce a document of guidelines for waterfront construction for residents located along the shoreline that will be engaging in reconstruction. The document can explain the new flood zone delineations and related code compliance issues, and provide diagrams of how residents could effectively retrofit their homes and properties in a resilient manner.
CAPACITY BUILDING FOR THE SEA GATE ASSOCIATION For a private community such as Sea Gate, the proper functioning of its association is essential to the overall recovery of residents and the community. Therefore, it is crucial that the community facilities that serve the association and residents are designed to be resilient during and after a disaster so that they can be used as support centers for residents and remain operational for the essential organizations working to support recovery in the community. This may include the Chapel, which is normally used as the Sea Gate Association offices, and the local synagogue. Guidelines and design and construction services could be provided to ensure that these centers are resiliently retrofitted. This could include, among other things, strategies to ensure that these facilities can successfully operate off the grid during emergency scenarios.
SOFT INFRASTRUCTURE The existing sewer overflow system is overwhelmed during heavy rainfall and especially during a storm surge. The community
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ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NEW YORK