Planning for a Resilient Rockaways: A Strategic Planning Framework for Arverne East Waterfront Solutions (NYU): Alda Chan, Sa Liu, Jon McGrath, Rossana Tudo, Kathleen Walczak Acknowledgements This project was made possible thanks to the support of many individuals and organizations. Waterfront Solutions would like to thank everyone at Rockaway Waterfront Alliance and NYU Wagner who contributed to this endeavor. We are grateful to a number of experts and individuals who provided participated in meetings and shared information to support this report. Thanks to Arjan Braamskamp and Robert Proos (Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York), David Bragdon (NYC Department of Parks and Recreation), John Boule, (Parsons Brinkerhoff), John Young and Barry Dinerstein (NYC Department of City Planning), Jonathan Gaska (Queens Community District 14); Gerry Romski (Arverne by the Sea), Michael Polo (NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development), Ron Schiffman (Pratt Institute); Ron Moelis and Rick Gropper (L+M Development), and Steven Bluestone (The Bluestone Organization). We would like to express our gratitude towards Robert Balder (Cornell Architecture, Art and Planning) and Walter Meyer (Local Office Landscape) for their guidance and insight during the research process. Our sincere thanks to faculty advisors Michael Keane and Claire Weisz for their feedback and support throughout this process. Front and back cover photo credit: Joe Mabel Table of Contents Executive Summary.........................................................02 3. Best Practices for Integrated Coastal Management (Case Studies)......................................45 1. Introduction: Research and Analysis 1.1 Project Goals and Vision...............................................07 4. Vision 1.2 Local History and Character..........................................09 4.1 Planning Framework and Recommendations............... 54 1.3 The Effects of Superstorm Sandy and 4.1.a Environmental Resilience.....................................56 Lessons Learned..........................................................10 4.1.b Economic Resilience........................................... 65 1.4 Population, Housing, and Socioeconomic Profile..........14 4.1.c Social Resilience..................................................76 1.5 Land Use and Zoning Analysis......................................20 4.2 Next Steps...................................................................90 1.6 Transportation and Circulation......................................31 1.7 Environment and Natural Resources.............................33 5. Notes and Sources......................................................94 1.8 Market Analysis............................................................35 6. Appendix 2. Key Stakeholders and Public Outreach 6.1 Arverne Urban Renewal Area Environmental 2.1 Key Stakeholders.........................................................40 Impact Statement.........................................................99 2.2 Public Outreach Methods and Results......................... 41 6.2 Employment Tables......................................................100 6.3 Migration Tables...........................................................103 6.4 Housing Characteristic Tables...................................... 106 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY rverne East, a waterfront community on 2012 storm, Superstorm Sandy, which dev- Study Recommendations Athe Eastern end of the Far Rockaways, astated coastal communities like the Rocka- Queens contains one of the last remaining ways and dramatically shifted conversations Environmental Resilience large expanses of vacant land in New York about the relationship between people, Goal: Promoting development that antici- City. Arverne East embodies a rich history of places and the environment. Part four ex- pate and adapt to short and long-term coastal seaside communities, the lingering plores a vision for a environmental, economic environmental changes. legacy of urban renewal, and the challenges and social resilience through recommenda- and rewards of being situated on a barrier tions and actionable next steps. Objective I: Incorporating risk and vulnerability island, with miles of picturesque waterfront. Arverne East presents an opportunity to build assessments into broad decision-making and The Arverne East site also represents the in a thoughtful, contextual way, by planning mechanisms. urhban challenges of spurring impactful eco- nomic development and bringing necessary leveraging local assets to foster a Recommendations: public services to disadvantaged communi- community-oriented wellness and • Guiding growth away from high-risk loca- ties. recreation hub that serves as model for coastal environmental, econom- tions and locating critical facilities in less vulnerable areas. The Rockaway Waterfront Alliance (RWA), ic and social resilience. • Incentivizing the (re)introduction and pro- a community-based organization dedicated This vision for an enriching environment that tection of natural systems and buffers. to fostering understanding and engagement provides community services, recreation, between local community members and the • Retrofitting existing buildings and facilities employment opportunities and environmen- waterfront, commissioned this study in the that cannot be relocated. tal protections emerged from a process of fall of 2012 to re-initiate conversations around stakeholder interviews, public outreach, site • Monitoring and updating programs and the needs and possibilities within Arverne visits and research which strove to pinpoint plans on regular basis East. The following document provides a appropriate responses to current commu- strategic planning framework based on quali- • Participating in New York City’s Local nity needs and assets. An intentional focus tative and quantitative analysis, data gather- Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) on environmental, environmental and social ing and public outreach. Part one provides a planning processes and updates to the resilience can offer protections to current profile of the history, land use, zoning, local New York City Comprehensive Waterfront and future community members and visitors, and regional demographics, market trends, Plan: Vision 2020. while remaining flexible to accommodate housing, transportation, socioeconomic future trends and changes. • Enforcing the Coastal Zone Management conditions and natural ecology of Arverne Act, which manages coastal resources East and the Rockaways. Part two explores and balances economic development ob- key local stakeholders and results from public jectives with environmental conservation. outreach efforts. Part three addresses key coastal risks and hazards, particularly in light of climate change impacts and the October 2 Planning Framework for Arverne East | Executive Summary Objective II : Integrate complementary soft print by reducing energy demand and en- infrastructure for storm resilience and hard infrastructure interventions to fortify couraging local renewable energy networks • Amend/modify current zoning to promote existing and future structures and functions. to lessen susceptibility to grid disruptions mixed-uses. Recommendations: Recommendations: Objective II: Introduce innovative hotel and • Replenish the coastline with a vegetated • Green building retrofits in existing struc- accommodations establishments to fill market double dune system to protect against tures and energy efficient building de- gap, provide employment and capitalize upon storm surges. sign for any new development can help local tourism and airport proximity. • Elevate site above Advisory Base Flood increase energy efficiency and reduce Elevation (ABFE) levels energy demand. Recommendations: • Exploring off-shore mechanisms tha • Improve/Adjust building codes to increase • Create a destination that can host day- leverage natural forces to provide protec- the sustainability of the buildings. trippers and weekend visitors. tion against the storms and erosion. • Provide energy efficiency information and • Establish a partnership with international • Consider multifunctional flood defense financing. airlines operating at JFK through guest and stormwater management and reten- room and meeting/conference space tion mechanisms. Economic Resilience agreements. Goal: Bolstering the economic vitality of • Study feasible resilient building forms and • Provide event and conference space, as the area by creating opportunities and well as catering hall facilities to provide locations, including mid-rise buildings establishments that empower and serve with flood proof ground-floor uses and/or additional amenities to residents and visi- the needs and aspirations of current and tors environmental buffers. future residents. • Incorporate green infrastructure in exist- • Incentivize community ownership/opera- ing and future developments. Objective I: Developing mixed-use residential tion of facilities and retail that responds to existing and pro- Retrofit and build new infrastructure to be • Serve as a model for urban ecotourism • jected needs and markets. storm-proof. and utilize nearby recreation and environ- mentally sensitive regions in and around • Modernize energy transmission and distri- Recommendations: the peninsula bution systems. • Introduce medium density mixed-use housing, office and commercial retail, with Objective III: Reduce the local carbon foot- elevation and ground-level adaptive green Planning Framework for Arverne East |