Coastal resiliency project wins “Envision Gold Award” from the Institute For Sustainable Infrastructure

By
Robin MacLennan
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New York Construction Report staff writer

The East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) Project has received an “Envision Gold Award” for sustainability from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI).

ESCR is a $1.45 billion climate resiliency project that will provide flood protection and improve open spaces. It usesa series of berms, flood walls, flood gates and raised parklands, the project created a continuous 2.4-mile barrier to protect 110,000 residents of the Lower East Side in Manhattan from future coastal and tidal flooding.
Construction began near Stuyvesant Cove Park in November 2020. Last month, the city announced the reopening of Asser Levy Playground along with a new 45-ton sliding floodgate. The entire project, which is being done in phases to keep park areas open for use by area residents during construction, will be completed in 2026.
Neighbourhoods in the area that were severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Managed by DDC, the project included significant upgrades to public open spaces and five parks, including improved waterfront access through reconstructed bridges and entry points. It will also upgrade existing sewer systems to capture and manage precipitation during storms.

“It is affirmational to be honored for our work to protect New Yorkers from the impacts of climate change,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “In the face of the biggest environmental threat we all face – we will continue to plan ahead, innovate, and get stuff done for New Yorkers.”

ISI developed and manages Envision, a framework that encourages systemic changes in the planning, design and delivery of sustainable and resilient infrastructure through education, training and third-party project verification.

Projects are assessed on sustainability across five categories: Quality of Life, Leadership, Resource Allocation, Natural World and Climate and Resilience. To earn an Envision Gold award, a project must achieve a heightened range of sustainability and resilience outcomes.

In 2021, the Starlight Park Phase 2 project received an Envision Gold Award.

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