Boston's Flood-protection Projects Are Tangled Up in Large Development Slowdowns

In South Boston, the century-old Boston Edison power plant awaits redevelopment into condos, labs, shops, and cafes on elevated land bolstered by a remade sea wall. However, construction delays, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and a global real estate downturn, pose challenges. The reliance on private financing for essential public infrastructure, including flood protection, raises concerns among experts.

Challenges in Development

The pandemic-induced real estate downturn has slowed down construction projects across Boston, including flood-protection initiatives. The city's strategy of partnering with the private sector for climate resilience faces uncertainties due to economic forces. Coastal resilience experts caution against overreliance on private financing, highlighting the risk it poses to the city's adaptive efforts.

Public-Private Partnerships in Climate Adaptation

Boston's approach to climate adaptation involves collaborating with private landowners due to the high costs of flood infrastructure. The city incentivizes developers to include climate protections in their projects, aligning with the "Climate Ready" strategy. However, concerns arise regarding the market's influence on climate defenses, necessitating federal and state support for municipal financing.

Urgency of Climate Action

Sea level rise threatens Boston's coastal communities, necessitating immediate action. The Wu administration emphasizes resiliency, with developers integrating flood-protection measures into projects. However, the urgency of infrastructure development is underscored by the projected inundation risks in the coming decades.

Complexities in Development

Large-scale projects like the South Boston power plant redevelopment face prolonged timelines, with meticulous planning and approvals. Concerns emerge about the impact of prior waterfront developments on existing communities and flood pathways, highlighting the need for comprehensive planning and oversight.

Coordinated Resilience Efforts

Efforts like the Wharf District's collaboration demonstrate a collective response to sea level rise. A resiliency plan outlines significant upgrades to protect downtown infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of combined efforts from federal, state, and city governments.

Boston's history of large-scale infrastructure projects offers hope for effective climate adaptation. Collaboration between public and private sectors, coupled with federal and state support, is crucial in addressing the existential threat posed by climate change to the city's vibrancy and future.