By 2040, over 80,000 homes in the New York metro area could be lost to flooding, worsening an already severe housing shortage projected to reach 1.2 million homes. Long Island faces the greatest threat, especially in Babylon and Islip, while NYC neighborhoods like the Rockaways and Canarsie are also at risk. Flood mitigation efforts are underway, but a citywide protection plan remains far off. The Regional Plan Association urges building in low-risk areas near transit and revising restrictive zoning laws. Experts also recommend shifting from suburban-style homes to denser, more resilient housing to address both climate risks and housing needs.
Rockaways and Canarsie
