dshoost88
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- Apr 14, 2008
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I think the Seaport has objectively failed from a climate change/sea level rise aspect, and that should not be discounted in all of this.
I disagree.
The Seaport has prioritized resilience and adaptive building design. Like the Spaulding Rehab Hospital that opened 6 years ago in Charlestown, much of the coastal development in Boston the last decade has elevated entrances, moved mechanical fixtures high above ground/atop buildings (as oppose to traditionally below ground), and improved landscape architecture along the waterfront with natural plant species that can aid with water absorption during heavy rain/flooding events. The below-ground parking garages are apparently double-protected (double tubbed?) to prevent water intrusion/flooding during king tide events. The net square footage of green roofs, rooftop gardens, park space, and other natural features added as part of the new development is far greater than what previously existed in the neighborhood.
I walked down Pier 4 and Fort Point Channel recently and was pleased to see non-invasive plant species planted along the water to aid with some of these climate action goals. And it looks like the new Pier 4 park will reintroduce coastal wetlands to aid even further (not to mention restoring bird and fish habitat).
The neighborhood is still very young, even comparatively to the Rose Kennedy Greenway. I look at the tree canopy along the Greenway awestruck as it was only 12 years ago I remember first walking it when cute little sticks of trees were planted. The tree canopy throughout the Seaport streets and parks will grow just as impressively in time based on what's been planted already.
It's not perfect; however, it is not a failure, either.