April 10th, 2024
6:00pm - 8:00pm
BIG
45 Main Street #9, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Michael Haggerty is a Principal at Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners. As Director of Urban Planning and Design, he leads projects related to open spaces, housing, waterfronts, and resilience. His recent work in New York City reimagines connectivity and sustainability in urban systems. The design of the Harlem River Greenway was recognized by AIANY’s Transportation and Infrastructure Design Excellence Award in 2022. The Staten Island Shoreline Parks Plan will integrate five miles of parkland, public beaches, and bicycle paths with coastal flood protection. A Vision for a Resilient East Harlem lays out a framework for making public spaces multi-functional to address climate risks in upper Manhattan. The Streetscape & Lighting Plan for Union Square and 14th Street supports a new vision for downtown Manhattan pedestrian spaces. Michael began his career with the public art organization Creative Time in New York, and subsequently earned professional degrees in architecture and urban planning at Harvard University Graduate School of Design. While at Harvard he was awarded the Presidential Public Service Fellowship to work with MASS Design Group.
Dina Levy is Senior Vice President of Single Family and Community Development responsible for the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA), Office of Community Renewal, and Faith-Based Initiatives. Prior to joining HCR, Dina served as Director of Community Impact and Innovation for Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman where she was senior advisor to the Attorney General on negotiations of multi-billion-dollar bank settlements and oversaw relationships with state and national stakeholders. Prior to that, she was Special Assistant to the Attorney General. Before joining the AG’s Office, Dina worked for the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB) where she served as Director of Organizing, building strategic coalitions to preserve, expand and improve the quality of affordable housing across New York City.
Alex Miller is an analyst for Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities. As an environmental researcher, designer, and writer, he is focused on how cities can mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis. He is a co-chair of Climigration Network’s Welcoming Communities working group, a member of the City Club of New York’s Waterfront Committee, and a Waterfront Alliance WEDG Associate. He holds an M.S. in Sustainable Environmental Systems from Pratt Institute. Previously, Alex worked for the Resiliency Planning and Management unit of the NYC Department of Transportation, the New York League of Conservation Voters, and SOM.
Jeremy Siegel is Associate at Bjarke Ingels Group. He has been at BIG since the establishment of its New York office in 2010, and brings a focus on issues of urbanism, landscape, infrastructure, and climate change adaptation. Jeremy led the BIG team in its winning Big U proposal for the federal Rebuild by Design competition, and has led urban design of the subsequent East Side Coastal Resiliency project, BQ-Park proposal, and other complex infrastructure and planning efforts for a variety of clients.
Join us for a conversation on adapting New York City’s coastal neighborhoods with Michael Haggerty, Dina Levy, Alex Miller and Jeremy Siegel.
New York City’s coastal neighborhoods are increasingly vulnerable to extreme flooding and climate displacement. Despite the implementation of various coastal adaptation strategies – like buyback programs, shoreline restoration, and seawalls – the debate over who is safeguarded or relocated grows more challenging. With the majority of floodplain residents being low-income and people of color, New York City must prioritize strategies that uphold social ties and bolster community resilience.
We will discuss equitable adaptation strategies for communities in the floodplain with Michael Haggerty, Dina Levy and Alex Miller. Following presentations, we will welcome responses from Jeremy Siegel, Rachel Wilkins and attendees.
How can we ensure that coastal communities are empowered and equipped to shape their own adaptation strategies?
Guest & Accessibility Policies
Urban Design Forum promotes conversations between invited civic leaders, designers, developers, and advocates. This event is open to Forum Fellows and their guests. Fellows can RSVP to rsvp@urbandesignforum.org.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully.
- The venue will have an entrance and elevators that are ADA-accessible.
- This event will have microphones and speakers.
- If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Face masks are encouraged, particularly if you have been recently exposed to colds, flus, or other illness. If you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, a high-quality, well-fitting face covering is required at all times.
- Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances to accommodate guests with allergies or environmental sensitivities.
- If you have additional needs, we will do our best to accommodate. Please contact rsvp@urbandesignforum.org.
About Rewire
Our 2024 Next New York initiative, Rewire, explores how we can reshape the existing city to build climate-positive neighborhoods. Through public programs and working groups, Fellows will advance ideas to adapt existing buildings and public spaces to reduce carbon and protect from climate impacts.
Rewire is made possible with lead support from Stantec and with the continued support of our Board of Directors, Director’s Circle, Company Members, and Global Circle, as well as our individual members through membership dues. Special thanks to Thornton Tomasetti for hosting our working group meetings.
Urban Design Forum programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. To learn more about supporting Rewire, please contact Miranda Bellizia, miranda@urbandesignform.org.
Image credit: Flickr rbs10025
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