A long-discussed plan is taking shape in Philadelphia's Eastwick, where years of rainfall have caused dramatic neighborhood flooding.
The proposal is being pushed by residents and city officials, and calls for a levee, drainage upgrades, a wetland park, and buyouts focused on the homes at greatest risk.
Here's what to know
According to Yale Climate Connections, Eastwick can flood when storms send upstream runoff into the area, pushing nearby creeks over their banks and into neighborhood streets and homes.
Resident Donna Johnson told Yale Climate Connections, "If we're looking outdoors and the rain is coming hard, everyone is in a panic. It took so long for this concern to be a concern of more than just the neighbors."
Eastwick's flood risk is being driven by heavier rainfall inland, while rising sea levels can also intensify storm surge along the nearby Delaware River.
Repeated inundation can damage electrical systems, ruin furniture and keepsakes, block roads, and leave families wondering whether their homes are still safe to live in.
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Floodwaters can pose public health risks because of mold, contamination, and prolonged stress, all of which can disrupt work, school, transportation, and access to essential services. In addition, repair costs, insurance challenges, declining property values, and temporary or permanent displacement can put a strain on finances.
What's being done?
At the center of the proposal is a mix of hard infrastructure and landscape changes — an earthen levee, improved drainage, and a wetland park intended to absorb and slow floodwater.
There's also a buyout plan for residents in the most vulnerable homes, which can allow some families to move to higher ground.
Levees and drainage upgrades may help protect homes and roads, while wetlands can restore natural flood storage and ease pressure on the built environment. Using both engineered and nature-based solutions can make communities more resilient than relying on barriers alone.
Johnson remains hopeful that things can improve: "I love my neighborhood. It's home."
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