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STAMFORD, Conn. John Santoro did not mind the sea level rising as he lounged at West Beach. The Stamford resident actually preferred it, setting up his chair so the current could reach him even at low tide.
The city of Stamford, however, is a lot more worried about the sea level rising as a result of climate change. In December, the city adopted a sustainability amendment in its Master Plan.
If Long Island Sound rises, coastal flooding is likely to threaten Stamfords ecosystem as well as its infrastructure and assets, the amendment said. The sea level in the New York Metropolitan area is expected to rise 2.5 to 7 inches in the next 25 years, 6 to 15 inches in the next 50 years, and 1 to 3 feet in the next 100 years, the amendment said.
Stamford plans to minimize the dangers to life and property from coastal flooding and wave impacts, especially in hazardous areas such as Westcott Cove, Shippan and Dolphin Cove, the amendment said. Part of that plan includes tracking changes in sea levels and projected increases, it said.
To minimize its impact on the environment, the city, as of last summer, had initiated 79 energy efficient projects to reduce the amount of kilowatts used. The changes, which are mostly in lighting renovations, have saved the city about 14.5 million kilowatts.
The city has done amazing things to save on electricity usage, said Erin McKenna, Stamfords associate planner.
Nancy Pipicelli, the citys city energy/utility manager who has been instrumental with the sustainability and energy use of Stamford, did not return a call for comment.
How do you try to limit your carbon footprint? Have you noticed a climate change? Share your thoughts and experiences on the issue and add to the conversation by posting below or emailing reporter Anthony Buzzeo at tbuzzeo@TheDailyStamford.com.
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