Urban Waterfront
Waterfronts were traditionally the center of commercial, industrial, and recreational activities in coastal communities, but economic and technological changes have left many waterfronts underutilized and in disrepair. Due to their industrial history, many urban waterfronts and ports are brownfield sites: abandoned or underutilized industrial and commercial properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived contamination. Brownfield clean up and reuse in coastal communities present opportunities to revitalize urban waterfronts, enhance public access to the coast, and restore coastal resources. The redevelopment of waterfronts can also take development pressure off undeveloped areas and more pristine coastal resources, serving as a catalyst for broader community revitalization efforts.
Read a case study: New Bedford, Mass.