JDS to pay for flood protection if Two Bridges tower approved

Developer would pay for flood barrier at 80 Rutgers Slip

247 Cherry Street and Michael Stern
247 Cherry Street and Michael Stern

JDS Development Group has pledged to help pay for a flood barrier at two neighboring buildings if the city approves its 77-story tower on Cherry Street.

The developer says it will foot the bill for a flood barrier at Two Bridges Tower at 80 Rutgers Slip and cover part of the cost for the barrier at a senior housing project at 82 Rutgers Slip, DNAinfo reported. JDS also committed to providing an emergency power backup system to 82 Rutgers Slip and would move mechanical equipment to the building’s second floor to guard against rushing floodwaters.

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During Hurricane Sandy, the first floor of Two Bridges Tower flooded with up to four feet of water.

The resiliency upgrades, however, hinge on JDS getting approval for its mixed-income apartment tower at 247 Cherry Street. The project, along with two others proposed by the Starrett Corporation and a partnership between L&M Development Partners and CIM Group, have drawn fierce criticism from community groups[DNAinfo] — Kathryn Brenzel