Resilience, Ecology, and Access at the Water's Edge-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines (WEDG), developed by the Waterfront Alliance, provide a rating and verification system for resilient, ecologically sound, and accessible waterfront projects—including industrial and maritime sites. The program aims to protect waterfront communities and natural systems while supporting water-dependent industries and public access.<br /><br />WEDG evaluates projects across site assessment and planning, responsible siting and coastal risk reduction, community access and connections, edge resilience, natural resources, and innovation. Guidance includes planning for coastal hazards and future flooding; maintaining maritime uses; providing safe public access and educational opportunities; reducing industrial effects such as dust, noise, and emissions; creating maritime jobs; and restoring habitats, managing stormwater, and using renewable energy.<br /><br />Verification can benefit property owners by reducing long-term risks and costs, improving design and resilience, supporting community engagement, and strengthening a project’s public profile. Reviews occur at preliminary and final design stages, with technical experts assessing project documents.<br /><br />Examples include Oak Point/McInnis Cement in the Bronx, where maritime activity is being reactivated alongside emissions reductions, wetlands restoration, public access, and flood-resilient design, and the Sunset Park Materials Recovery Facility in Brooklyn, which incorporates elevated infrastructure, habitat features, and safe educational access.<br /><br />WEDG is also used in policy and supported by a professional network of about 500 people. Planned updates to version 3.0 include stronger community-engagement and environmental-justice provisions, expanded nature-based solutions, broader applicability to inland waterways, and alignment with flood-insurance incentives. Draft prerequisites include additional flood elevation above the base flood level, ecological shoreline measures, community engagement, public access, and avoidance of invasive species.

Keywords

Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines

WEDG

waterfront resilience

ecological design

accessible waterfront

coastal risk reduction

maritime industry

public access

habitat restoration

stormwater management