Ecological Restoration and Equity-Based Economic Development: Reimagine Middle Branch, Patapsco River
TU1.7
Tue, 6 Dec, 08:30 - 10:00 Central Time (UTC -5)
Location: St Charles
Moderator: Lynette Cardoch, Moffatt & Nichol
Track: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility
With the goals of increasing equity and environmental justice and improving ecological resilience and public health, Reimagine Middle Branch represents a commitment to deliver parks, projects and programs that unite the 19 neighborhoods of South Baltimore by connecting them to one another and to the waterfront. It is a community-driven initiative to reconnect South Baltimore to its 11+miles of shoreline along the Patapsco River. The Plan involves designing a network of world-class parks, trails, and programs, while fostering connections and economic opportunity in adjacent neighborhoods. The initiative is committed to delivering an environmental justice project with capital (constructed) elements, rather than a capital project that includes environmental justice elements. This dedicated session discusses the Reimagine Middle Branch team’s approach on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) that has been institutionalized in full project creation and lens. We also present the ecological enhancements and community enrichments being planned for this urban waterfront. New wetlands and boardwalks will transform portions of the waterfront into nature-based parkland. Large expanses of marsh will form a maritime park that also functions as green-stormwater infrastructure and creates a new natural area at the mouth of the Gwynns Falls. Living shorelines are being planned to also include boardwalks and overlooks for enhanced accessibility. This session will be split evenly between presentations and discussions, allowing for an active audience participation experience.
Ecological Restoration and Equity-Based Economic Development: Reimagine Middle Branch, Patapsco River
TU1.7.1