Encompassing seven municipalities and approximately 310,000 residents, the Raritan River and Bay communities of New Jersey have been shaped by their proximity to water for centuries. As a key point of connection between Middlesex County, New York City, and New England at large, the region is a critical transportation hub and home to a wide variety of industries, ecosystems, and cultures. Today, many of its communities—including majority Black, Brown, and Latino/Latinx populations impacted by Superstorm Sandy in 2012—face high exposure to flooding and other climate-intensified risks.
This month, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and Middlesex County, NJ released a draft Action Plan for the Raritan River and Bay region, encompassing Carteret, Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, South Amboy, Sayreville, South River, and Woodbridge. SCAPE served as landscape architecture lead for this portion of the wider Resilient New Jersey initiative, working with prime consultant Arcadis to develop a roadmap for climate adaptation across the region.
The resulting plan focuses on pairing risk reduction projects with social, economic, and recreational value emphasizing natural and nature-based strategies (where feasible), as well as potential funding sources. Strategies are informed by over two years of engagement across the region—including virtual open houses, design workshops, community presentations, and ongoing meetings with stakeholders—to ensure all strategies align with the lived experiences and needs of residents and stay rooted in equity and environmental justice goals.
Comments are open to area residents until October 19th.
To learn more and review the full Draft Action Plan, visit the project website.