Using Multi-Objective Management to Reduce Flood Losses in Your

Urban Redevelopment
Floodplains and waterfronts often coincide with areas that are dilapidated or in
need of renewal or redevelopment. As warehouses and waterfront businesses close
or repetitive flooding eats away at homes, buildings deteriorate and are
abandoned. It has been said that the floodplain of today is the slum of the future.
Many communities have city departments and neighborhood organizations
dedicated to preventing or reversing this trend. Other organizations address
community beautification. They mobilize volunteers to clean up, plant flowers,
monitor property maintenance, and otherwise improve the appearance of the
community. They often give awards for well-kept yards or improved building
maintenance.
Opportunities
The following are examples of ways in which people concerned with
redevelopment of blighted areas, urban renewal, and beautification could combine
their efforts with flood loss reduction measures discussed in Chapter 3:
Planning and zoning−Land use plans and zoning regulations can redirect
development, for example, allowing a vacant warehouse district to be
converted to a multi-family housing area that reserves the high hazard
waterfront for open space for the new residents.
Development regulations and drainage system maintenance−People
concerned with property maintenance and dumping can help monitor
compliance with floodplain, construction, and dumping regulations as well.
Relocation and acquisition−Clearing away dilapidated buildings directly
supports both urban renewal and flood protection.
Floodproofing−Elevating or otherwise floodproofing buildings can
prevent their continued deterioration. Often the same funding program can
support both redevelopment and flood protection if floodproofing is
considered part of bringing a building up to a safe and sanitary condition.
Community programs−Local assistance programs and funding for
property improvement can also cover insurance, floodproofing, and even
relocation costs.
Related interests
The following interests often have concerns that can be linked to redevelopment,
urban renewal, and community beautification. They are discussed elsewhere in
this chapter.
Economic development
Housing improvement
Historic preservation
Transportation and infrastructure.
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