Monroe County Coastal Resiliency Plan

The CLEAR Plan for Monroe County, developed in collaboration with Bergmann Associates and supported by Steele Landscape Architecture, aims to enhance resilience in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River region. Aligned with New York State’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI) and the Governor’s 2100 report, the plan contributes to a broader Great Lakes resilience strategy.

The CLEAR study area spans 261 square miles of land and 717 square miles of water, including Lake Ontario and its tributaries, and covers the towns of Greece, Hamlin, Irondequoit, Parma, Penfield, Webster, and the City of Rochester. This area, home to over 460,000 residents, has experienced significant damage from flooding and shoreline erosion.

Focusing on vulnerable waterfront communities, the plan addresses flooding, shoreline erosion, and climate change impacts through community-driven solutions. Key ecological communities such as Braddock Bay and Irondequoit Bay are highlighted for their environmental importance. The plan prioritizes strategies for long-term resilience while considering adjacent areas within Monroe County.