BRIDGEPORT'S LOWER WEST END COASTAL RESILIENCY

PLANNING STUDY

Neighborhood Meeting

January 9, 2018

AGENDA

▪ Welcome

▪ Existing Conditions Assessment

▪ Group Exercises

▪ Report Back from Activities

▪ Wrap-up and Next Steps

Anticipated Outcomes

▪ Identify key areas for further strategy development

EXISTING PARCEL INFORMATION

▪ Most of study area in the Light Industrial (I-L) or Heavy Industrial (I-H) zone

▪ Mixed-Use district north of I-95

▪ High density residential districts in the eastern and western edges of the study area

EXISTING ZONING

GENERALIZED EXISTING LAND USELand Area (Acres)

Generalized Land Use Parcels Total % of Total

Residential 13 42.4 15.4%

Residential - High Density 12 21.3 7.7%

Residential – Med.Density 1 21.1 7.6%

Commercial 24 33.6 12.2%

Commercial 22 18.3 6.6%

Marina 2 15.3 5.5%

Industrial 75 151.1 54.7%

Heavy Industrial 35 99.3 35.9%

Light Industrial 40 51.8 18.7%

Institutional 6 10.2 3.7%

Institutional 6 10.2 3.7%

Parks and Open Space 3 5.0 1.8%

Parks and Open Space 3 5.0 1.8%

Other 21 34.0 12.3%

Utility 4 25.2 9.1%

Vacant 16 8.9 3.2%

Total 141 276.4 100.0%

Residential,

15.4%

Commercial,

12.2%

Industrial, 53.3%

Institutional,

3.7%

Parks and Open

Space, 1.8%

Other, 13.7%

Existing Land Use

PROPERTY VALUEReal Property: $600,951,744

Personal Property: $13,750,800

Total: $614,702,544

The Study Area Comprises 5.2% of Bridgeport’s Total Grand List and 1.5% of the Total Tax Base *

Nearly 80% of study area property value is tax exempt or subject to PILOT, including the largest assets:

WPCA =$160M (exempt)

Wheelabrator =$256M (subject to payment in-lieu of taxes)

* Tax base calculation excludes payments in-

lieu of taxes (PILOT).

DRAFT

TAX GENERATIONReal Property: $4,457,997

Personal Property: $523,342

Total Taxes: $4,981,338

If tax-exempt and PILOT properties paid property taxes in full, the study area would produce an additional $18.4 million in revenue annually

Real Property Taxes,

$4,457,997

Personal

Property

Taxes,

$523,342

Tax

Exempt/PILOT,

$18,413,626

Study Area Tax Revenue

BUSINESS INVENTORY

Business Name Reference Number

ABC Supply Co. Inc. 1

Blue Sky Bar Ice Cream 2

Bridgeport Biodiesel 3

Captain's Cove Seaport 4

Cedar Marina Inc 6

Devar Inc. 7

Enviro Express Inc 8

Gesswein 9

Hi-Ho Petroleum 10

Hines Bros International 11

Markal 12

Merrit Contractors Inc 13

O&G Asphalt Plant 14

O&G Earth Products Showcase 15

O&G Stone Splitter Yard 16

P.C. Richard & Son 17

Park City Green 18

Row America 19

Safety Marking Inc 20

Santa Energy Corporation 21

U-Haul 22

Wagner Pools 23

Waters Construction Co. 24

West End Lumber Co 25

Wheelabrator 26

Source: Census’ OnTheMap service, 2015 is the most current data available

WORK AREA PROFILE REPORT

▪ 2,218 jobs in the study area as of 2015

▪ The study area contains 5.1% of the city’s total jobs and 29.4% of the city’s manufacturing jobs

▪ Jobs are generally high wage, with over three-quarters paying over $40,000 per year

1

7

10

26

28

50

55

89

96

115

119

159

288

1,175

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Other Services (excluding Public Administration)

Finance and Insurance

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

Accommodation and Food Services

Transportation and Warehousing

Management of Companies and Enterprises

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

Construction

Wholesale Trade

Health Care and Social Assistance

Administration & Support, Waste Management…

Retail Trade

Manufacturing

Study Area Jobs, by Sector

WHICH CONDITIONS SHOULD WE CONSIDER?

EXISTING WATER LEVEL ELEVATIONS

Type of

Elevation

Value at

NOAA Gauge

NAVD88

(feet)

Coastal Jurisdiction Line (CJL) -- 5.00

Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) 9.30 3.48

Mean High Water (MHW) 8.97 3.15

Mean Tide Level (MTL) 5.59 -0.23

Mean Sea Level (MSL) 5.60 -0.22

Mean Diurnal Tide Level (DTL) 5.64 -0.18

Mean Low Water (MLL) 2.22 -3.60

Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) 1.98 -3.84

Maximum

Hurricane Sandy, 10/30/12

15.02 9.20

Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT)

10/16/93

10.80 4.98

March 2018 Storm -- 6.43

Current tidal

range

FUTURE WATER LEVEL ELEVATIONS

Type of

Elevation

Current

(NAVD88;

feet)

SLR Projection

of 50 cm

enumerated in

State Statute

(feet)

2050

Projection

(NAVD88;

feet)

Coastal Jurisdiction Line (CJL) 5.00 +1.64 6.64*

Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) 3.48 +1.64 5.12

Mean High Water (MHW) 3.15 +1.64 4.79

Mean Tide Level (MTL) -0.23 +1.64 1.41

Mean Low Water (MLL) -3.60 +1.64 -1.96

Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) -3.84 +1.64 -2.20

Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT)

10/16/93

4.98 +1.64 6.62

March 2018 Storm 6.43 +1.64 8.07

*CJL would need to be changed by DEEP

Future tidal

range

A graphical representation of current notable water levels, and how those water levels may shift according to the 2050 sea level rise projection of +1.64 feet

CURRENT AND FUTURE WATER LEVELS

NOAA Sea Level Rise Map Viewer*

* Note sea level rise for the Wheelabrator property may be based on outdated elevation model

FLOODING AND INUNDATION

* Note sea level rise for the Wheelabrator property may be based on outdated elevation model

▪ Daily flooding of the “cool color” contours will occur in the near term and worsen by 2050

FLOODING AND INUNDATION

Elevations Susceptible to Future

High Tide Flooding or Inundation

▪ Stormwater backups can cause localized flooding in inland areas - parcels that are not directly abutting Cedar Creek also pose some flood or inundation risk

Roads and parcels near Johnsons Creek in the east end during an incoming tide in 2018

FLOODING AND INUNDATION

▪ Parcels with over 25% risk of daily high tide flooding by 2050

FLOODING AND INUNDATION

▪ A number of parcels are minimally vulnerable to an inundation level of 6 ft

▪ This level of vulnerability is associated with a certain level of potential risk to tax revenue and appraised property value

Potential Tax Revenue at Risk

FLOODING AND INUNDATION

▪ A larger number of parcels are vulnerable to an inundation level of 8 ft

▪ This increase in vulnerability results in an increased potential risk under future sea levels

Potential Tax Revenue at Risk

FLOODING AND INUNDATION

WHAT DO EXISTING BRIDGEPORT PLANS TELL US?

▪ The MDP, NRZ, Eco Park and Current Planning Areas Overlap

OTHER PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

WEST END MDPADOPTED 1994 (AMENDED TO 2001)

Main Plan Recommendations

• Stabilize and enhance short term business conditions

• Provide land and building resources for reinvestment

• Completely redevelop the “Core District”

MDP zoning regulations supersede city regulations, unless they are more restrictive

www.rwjf.org

WEST SIDE/WEST END NRZADOPTED DECEMBER 9, 2007

▪ The plan identifies high priority properties and premier properties

▪ Streamlining and simplifying zoning in commercial corridors and residential neighborhoods would result in a clearer separation of residential neighborhoods from commercial and industrial areas and corridors

▪ Look into the Cherry St and Railroad Ave loft apartments as an attempt to appeal to young working commuters

▪ Sikorsky Aircraft is a top employer

▪ High Mill Rates, PPTs, and Utilities costs are driving small business away

Priority

properties

Premier

properties

▪ The NRZ Commercial Corridor falls in the Planning Area

WEST SIDE/WEST END NRZ

HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLANADOPTED JANUARY 29, 2006

▪ Implement waterfront property land uses based on deep-water accessibility and natural resources

▪ Provide guidance for new businesses in the area

▪ Future water-dependent industrial redevelopment is preferred to take place in the Northern Portion of Cedar Creek

▪ Sunken barges in Burr Creek and Black Rock Harbor pose as major obstructions to navigation

▪ Parts of Cedar Creek could require maintenance dredging for existing marine structures

▪ Only 2 sewage treatment plants exist (East Side and West Side): Some residents have described noticing “raw sewage” floating in Cedar Creek implying that storm runoff may cause bypassing of the West Side treatment plant

▪ Sewer separation in the downtown area is underway but 4 CSOs currently still exist within the study area

DRAFT

SEWER AND STORMWATER

INFRASTRUCTURE

SEWER AND STORMWATER

INFRASTRUCTURE

▪ The CSO Long Term Control Plan is a combination of solutions that will prevent overflow for the 1 year, 24 hour design storm

▪ Trends are shifting the market toward mixed-used development

▪ POCD suggests a shift toward alternate waterfront uses, but identify industrial sites appropriate for continued use

▪ Emphasis on incorporating cultural activity and entertainment

▪ Strategies for economic growth:

▪ Encourage mixed-use development

▪ Support environmentally sound deep-water port uses

▪ Improve public waterfront access

▪ Pursue sectors expected to grow throughout the region

▪ Invest in infrastructure

▪ Reclaim contaminated sites

BRIDGEPORT MASTER POCDADOPTED MARCH 2008

BRIDGEPORT MASTER POCDADOPTED MARCH 2008

Future West side/West End:

▪ Largest industrial use area

▪ Institutional parcels

▪ High to medium density residential

▪ Two greenways

▪ Mixed use throughout the neighborhood

POCD is currently going through an update process and this area plan will be incorporated into the new Plan

MUNICIPAL COASTAL PROGRAM (MCP)ADOPTED MARCH 2008, AS PART OF THE MASTER POCD

MCP Goals:

▪ Maintain diversity of water-dependent facilities

▪ Give high priority to water-dependent facilities and uses

▪ Create long-term opportunities for public waterfront use and access

▪ Promote safe access and interconnection of waterfront facilities

The MCP recognizes that flooding and erosion will continue, therefore development should

consider this

The project is ongoing and green businesses have taken residency in the neighborhood

Eco-Tech Park Goals:

• Increase energy efficiency

• Recycle and reuse

• Improve water resource management

• Create green jobs

ECO-TECHNOLOGY PARKADOPTED NOVEMBER 2014

REGIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR COASTAL RESILIENCECOMPLETED 2016 / PUBLISHED 2017

Individual resilience projects were mapped and described across ten municipalities

▪ Gray/traditional

▪ Gray/green infrastructure

▪ Green infrastructure

▪ In Bridgeport, this included our interpretation of the Rebuilt by Design concept

▪ Most are either have no timeframe for implementation, or are not anticipated to gain traction and be implemented

▪ Projects mapped in the Regional Framework for Coastal Resilience

REGIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR COASTAL

RESILIENCE

WATERFRONT BRIDGEPORT PLANADOPTED JANUARY 2017

Waterfront Plan Goals:

▪ Increase public access

▪ Create jobs & economic prosperity

▪ Repurpose vacant/abandoned properties

▪ Encourage water based recreation & activity

▪ Boost climate change resiliency

Creating a Waterfront Overlay Zone (WOZ) would promote specific development projects

The WBP aims to integrate resiliency into all redevelopment along the waterfront – not just intermittently

The recently proposed waterfront overlay zone

amendment includes 3 zones: O-WF2 is the only

zone found in the current study area

WATERFRONT BRIDGEPORT PLANADOPTED JANUARY 2017

→ Skate park

→ Urban adventure park

→ Corn maze orcommunity garden

→ Fall or holiday themed pop-up markets

Sikorsky Plant

Captain’s Cove

West End/West Side Recommendations

REGIONAL PLAN ASSOCIATION: FOURTH REGIONAL PLANADOPTED NOVEMBER 2017

Adapt to a changing coastline:

▪ Protect physically and socially vulnerable communities

▪ Migrate away from areas that cannot be protected

Bring nature into the community:

▪ Restore the region’s harbors and estuaries

Future Bridgeport could be “a green and healthy city on the Northeast Corridor”

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM OTHER RESILIENT COMMUNITIES?

EAST BOSTON AND CHARLESTOWN, MA

COASTAL RESILIENCE SOLUTIONS FOR EAST BOSTON & CHARLESTOWN

ADOPTED OCTOBER 2017

Proposed developmental strategies

▪ Elevating waterfront parks, plazas and pathways

▪ Create nature-based features

▪ Elevating roadways

▪ Increase resilient mixed-use

▪ Improving relevant maritime industry

▪ Supporting local businesses in newly designed resilient neighborhoods

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN, NYNY RISING COMMUNITY RECONSTRUCTION

PROGRAM (NYRCR)

ADOPTED MARCH 2014

Adapt to a changing coastline:

▪ Protect physically and socially vulnerable communities

▪ Migrate away from areas that cannot be protected

Bring nature into the community:

▪ Restore the region’s harbors and estuaries

Master Projects• Red Hook local Emergency Preparedness Plan

• Red Hook houses Resiliency Improvements

• Red Hook Drainage Study

• Van Brunt Street Pumping Station Repairs

• Red Hook Integrated Flood Protection System

NORFOLK, VIRGINIAPLANORFOLK2030

ADOPTED MARCH 26, 2013

Action items

▪ Continue to support “working waterfront”

▪ Ensure development abides by flood protection regulations

▪ Building codes should provide protection against hazards

▪ Incorporate green infrastructure into designs

▪ Develop “no discharge zones”, and encourage “clean” marinas

▪ Improve the city’s rating in the NFIP

▪ Determine strategies to mitigate flooding

▪ Develop communication system to warn vulnerable property owners

WEST HAVEN, CTWEST HAVEN COASTAL RESILIENCE PLAN AND NEIGHBORHOOD FOCUS PLAN

FINAL DRAFT 2016

Posed the Questions:

▪ What would the beachfront neighborhood look like with flood protection?

▪ What could be accomplished to make the area more resilient if flood protection was not possible?

▪ About 12 different building types were selected as prototypes to investigate how to make them more resilient

4 Main Resilience Components

▪ Resist: utilizing hard and soft infrastructure

▪ Delay: Policy and guidelines to slow runoff

▪ Store: Green & grey infrastructure (green roofs and bioretention) that slow and capture runoff

▪ Discharge: upgrading existing stormwater/sewer

NEW JERSEY – REBUILD BY DESIGNHOBOKEN, WEEHAWKEN, JERSEY CITY

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

▪ Raising awareness by involving citizens in King Tide monitoring

▪ Elevating roads & installing pump stations

▪ Strategic planning

▪ Protecting open space

http://www.miamidade.gov/green/climate-change.asp

EPA PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR A CLIMATE-RESILIENT ECONOMY

North Kingston, RI was the pilot area for the framework

• The Town assembled a team of local board members, town staff, and other stakeholders to examine economy & character

• Used basic and advance mapping to assess future hazard impacts

• Economic resilience options included:• Creating clear climate change messages

• Assist businesses with developing business continuity plans

• Municipality networking

• Strengthening utilities

• Incorporating hazards into town’s comprehensive plan

DARLINGTON, WISCONSINEPA PLANNING FRAMEWORK CASE STUDY

▪ Stakeholders chose to floodproof historic resources▪ Basements were filled

▪ Windows were sealed

▪ Utilities were elevated above BFE

▪ Aluminum shields were installed at doors

▪ Hazardous material businesses were relocated and give priority for space in a new business park

Considered historic preservation, economic revitalization & increased green space

when addressing flooding issues

INITIAL TAKEAWAYS

INITIAL TAKEAWAYS

The City and neighborhood have provided direction for the Planning Area

▪ Water-dependent uses and public access along Cedar Creek

▪ Mix of uses on parcels that do not abut Cedar Creek

▪ Green and sustainable businesses and business products

▪ Streetscaping and other aesthetic recommendations should be followed or re-cast

Next Steps: Explore regulatory changes, infrastructure improvements, and property-specific strategies to improve resiliency

▪ Large-scale, expensive flood protection (hurricane barriers, walls) unlikely to be built in the near future

▪ Focus will be on identifying lower-cost infrastructure improvements that can improve resiliency and reduce flood and inundation risk

▪ Identify strategies and tools for individual property owners to make their properties more resilient

▪ Explore land use policies that favor the long term evolution of the neighborhood to resilient occupants

BREAK-OUT ACTIVITIES - IT’S YOUR TURN!

FUTURE LAND USE

Future predictions reveal that some areas may become flooded. To

minimize impact, the area should transition to resilient uses.

Place a sticker indicating which uses you think may or may not for the West End.

Have other ideas? Put them on a post-it and let us know!

INFRASTRUCTURE

There are a variety of infrastructure projects and improvements that can be

made to increase resiliency.

If you are a…

Full-time resident use yellow stickers

Business owner use green stickers

Stakeholder use blue stickers

To let us know which projects you would like to see implemented in the area

Other ideas? Use a post-it to let us know!

IDEAS FOR INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY TYPES

Future predictions reveal that some areas may become flooded. To

minimize impact, the area should transition to resilient uses.

Place a sticker indicating which uses you think may or may not for the West End.

Have other ideas? Put them on a post-it and let us know!