East Falls and Manayunk, two lively Philadelphia neighborhoods along the Schuylkill River, are known for their rich history, bustling business districts, and picturesque riverside views. However, their location near the river makes them susceptible to flooding. Severe storms are increasingly triggering destructive floods threatening public health and safety, infrastructure, and property. In response to devastation from Hurricane Ida in 2021, the East Falls Development Corporation and the Manayunk Development Corporation teamed up with AKRF to create a flood mitigation study. This study is a toolkit of resiliency strategies to proactively prepare for future storms, safeguard the neighborhoods, and maintain the vitality of these cherished communities.

The study looks at current and future flood risks, focusing on the Ridge Avenue and Main Street commercial corridors. Through input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders, the project combines flood preparedness strategies, infrastructure upgrades, and creative solutions like revitalizing the Schuylkill River Trail using flood-resistant materials. Key initiatives include hyper-local flood warnings, clear evacuation plans, and support for mental health recovery.

The aim was to recommend resiliency solutions based on real, specific challenges identified through conversations with residents, business owners, and City agency representatives. A comprehensive stakeholder engagement approach included two public meetings, four focus groups, and five interviews, eliciting contributions from over 150 participants. Insights into unmet needs and potential resiliency strategies—such as the lack of “targeted communication to neighborhoods” and the need for “economic assistance…[which] is crucial for small businesses”—shaped recommendations like hyper-local flood warnings to notify residents of individual risk and community seminars to inform businesses about available insurance options. In engaging directly with local voices, the resiliency strategies are tailored to vulnerable community members.

The project intuitively integrates advanced technology and customized community engagement strategies. By employing a data-driven approach, the team examined historical flooding patterns and created flood projections using the Delta Change Factor method, factoring in anticipated increases in precipitation and runoff for the Schuylkill River. Innovative solutions include installation of predictive flood gauges, real-time flood alerts, and enhanced communication with city agencies at the neighborhood level—a progressive practice to adapt resiliency to local climate risks. Concurrently, long-term mental health impacts from Hurricane Ida prompted a focus group on post-flood health implications, addressing a primary concern specific to the community. The study also recommends commercial property owners have access to floodproofing designs and financing tailored to their properties, enabling effective retrofits. Merging detailed climate data with localized insights resulted in recommendations aligned with the neighborhood’s physical, economic and social needs.

This project marks the beginning of a broader effort to enhance climate resilience. It offers a thorough toolkit that empowers the communities to take on future flood mitigation projects intended for the unique characteristics of each neighborhood. Whether it’s redesigning the Schuylkill River Trail to withstand flooding, upgrading infrastructure, or assisting businesses in retrofitting their buildings, the plan prepares East Falls and Manayunk to flourish in the face of future floods and remain vibrant and sustainable places to live, work, and play.

Project Partners:

• Owner – East Falls Development Corporation
• Owner – Manayunk Development Corporation
• Consultant – AKRF