The project: IMEG is partnering with the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) to identify and implement a financially viable design for resiliency improvements in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This work is supported by a $330 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), building on HUD’s 2014 Rebuild by Design competition. The focus is on addressing the effects of extreme weather and climate change in the Lower East Side, East Village, and Gramercy Park neighborhoods, while enhancing public access and programming in parks along the East River.

The goal: The goal of the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project is to reduce the risks posed by extreme weather events and climate change, providing increased protection to vulnerable communities in the Lower East Side. The project also seeks to improve access to green spaces along the East River, offering enhanced recreational opportunities and supporting the quality of life for residents, especially those in Environmental Justice communities.

Design approach: IMEG’s approach involved comprehensive community engagement, beginning in the Pre-Scoping phase with the coordination of eleven large public meetings and over two dozen stakeholder meetings. Advertising materials were developed to support these efforts. IMEG also facilitated community engagement during the environmental review phase, including coordinating a NEPA public scoping meeting. In the Final Design phase, the team continued to prioritize stakeholder involvement, coordinating 70 stakeholder meetings, three community open houses, and 13 large public meetings.

Project outcome: The outcome of this project is a community-driven, financially feasible design that improves resiliency in the Lower East Side while enhancing access to public spaces. IMEG’s extensive stakeholder and public engagement efforts have ensured that the design reflects the needs and input of local communities, particularly those most impacted by environmental challenges.