Mayor of Hoboken Drawn Zimmer attended the Global Platform for DRR 2013
Building Resilience into urban planning and investments (part2)
After calling for a minute of silence to honour the victims of Oklahoma disaster, Mayor Drawn Zimmer started a very rich description of Hoboken situation. Hoboken in located just across New York City and is constantly facing floods. The town is one square mile and 50’000 inhabitants live by Hudson River. The town follows a mix use of spaces and is quite active in terms of DRR. Last year, Storm Sandy hit Hoboken and flooded 80% of the town, causing million dollars of damages. Despite DRR plans, the social and economic impact was enormous proving that more action must be taken.
Heavy rains and high tide expose Hoboken population to floods putting their lives in danger. To reduce risk of disasters, Drawn Zimmer is using a comprehensive plan including better preparedness, response and recovery. There are various layers of protection that must be integrated into modern urban planning. There is a need to build strong and be more resilient. In the case of Hoboken, it means a stronger coastal building, flood protections, elevators, disable friendly designs and new standards in urban planning.
At the moment, there is a plan to build three more pumps for emergency situations. To avoid rain water and sewerage water on Hoboken streets, the pumps are crucial because they can alleviate flooding that happens regularly in the city. Rain water must be retained and capture at all costs. The mayor is also looking at turning underground spaces into flood water storage and installing protective barriers like floodwalls. By showing that she can protect her city, Drawn Zimmer hopes to get out of the National flood insurance program which costs are high for the Hoboken citizens.
Private sector is also involved in protecting the city against disasters and reducing risks. Energy resiliency is extremely important; citizens should be able to pursue their daily life activities (business, study, hospitals, etc.) or to be the least disturbed. Hoboken will start a partnership with PSEG (local energy company) to upgrade the entire electricity system. This example highlights the recommendations heard during GPDRR 2013; private sectors must be involved in DRR prevention.
The Mayor of Hoboken is advocating this new approach for future developments, but she is facing some obstacles. “All policies are against urban America” stated Drawn Zimmer to underline the necessity to take into consideration adequate DRR actions. The United States of America consists of a federal government that shares power at the national level, at the state level and at the local level.
As a result, urban policies and funding distribution are influenced by this system. In the areas most at risk, the government would give money to install floodgates on each building or put pilots to rise up every house, but would not support the Mayor towards a comprehensive plan. Lack of government support is an obstacle to DRR management.
reported by Vanessa Esteves
Posted by tdjvenuik
- 8 years ago
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