CAMBRIDGE, MD - City Leaders updated the public on more plans for shoreline resiliency.
The project that the city has been working on is called 'Make Cambridge Resilient'. They're working on methods to stop consistent flooding along the waterfront areas and protect shorelines.
Larry White, the project manager, says "It includes developing a green infrastructure plan and implementing it. It includes integrating flood mitigation into all our city planning, comprehensive plans, and working waterfront plans. It includes helping residents on Cambridge Creek. [It includes] individual properties, flood mitigation, flood proofing, and elevating homes."
White added that they have updated some plans, which he brought forth to the public during a meeting Wednesday evening. He says, "We're moving now from not just flood protection but stormwater management, habitat restoration, and water quality."
Those plans include infrastructure like living shorelines and embankments.
People who live around the waterfront neighborhoods explained that flooding has been a problem for years. Sally Haller says, "They're definitely getting worse [The flooding]. They're getting higher. In my neighborhood, for instance, when it floods, it floods. It's the entire street."
Some boat owners at Long Wharf Marina hope the plans bring a change. Boat owner Ron Walsh says, "Waves bypassing vessels tend to create a lot of waves inside the marina and all the boats are bouncing around when a boat passes." He explained having a breakwater outside the marina would be helpful.
White says design and permitting with flood mitigation could start as early as next month.
Looking into the future,
White's research shows sea level rise in Maryland is projected to be 2 feet by 2050 and 3-4 feet by 2100 due to climate change. If that happens, they believe daily hightides would block access to properties, the marina, parks, and the yacht club. They say daily high tides would also be a big issue for events like the Ironman and Eagleman races, in Cambridge.
Click here for the City's website on the plans.