Bergmann’s planning and resilience experts selected to lead development of Monroe County CLEAR Plan

National architecture, engineering and planning firm Bergmann has been selected by the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) to lead the development of the Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency (CLEAR) Plan for Monroe County, an important part of New York State’s efforts to develop a Great Lakes resiliency strategy.

In their role, Bergmann’s multi-discipline team of certified planners, floodplain managers and engineers specializing in environmental and water resource management, will collaborate with county and local governmental entities, organizations and leaders to develop and implement strategies to create a more resilient path forward for community growth.

CLEAR is a new community engagement initiative created by the NYSDOS and funded by the NYS Environmental Protection Fund that will develop a strategic plan for coastal lakeshore resiliency for local communities in New York’s Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River region. The program is a result of the record high-water levels on Lake Ontario and the associated flooding and erosion in 2017 and 2019.

Monroe County is one of eight counties within the CLEAR footprint. The resulting plan will provide a forward-looking approach that addresses current and future extreme water levels and guidance to communities for resilient options to rebuild and adapt in the face of a changing climate.

“We recognize the impacts that flooding has created along the Lake Ontario shoreline and how prolonged flood events have impacted both the physical and economic environments of our lakefront communities,” stated Kimberly Baptiste, AICP, Government Practice Leader. “We are committed to identifying long-term strategies to help ensure lakefront communities have the information, tools and projects to improve environmentally resiliency; create strong, sustainable local economies; and maintain the Great Lakes ecosystem as an irreplaceable natural resource.”

Jayme Breschard Thomann, CFM, AICP, Senior Project Manager shared, “CLEAR is identifying the important social, natural and cultural places through robust community engagement, with an increased focus on the “softer” solutions for future adaptability and recovery from extreme events, such as local plans and regulations; natural systems protection; and education and awareness programs.”

The process involves extensive community engagement, with the first public workshop scheduled for June 10. More information can be found at https://www.monroecountyclear.com/public-engagement.