IL - How Can South Shore’s Lakefront Be Better Protected From Climate Change?
Delta Institute introduced its state-supported flooding and erosion “resiliency” project to a few dozen South Shore neighbors this week by sharing research taking place in the neighborhood, the city and beyond.
SOUTH SHORE — Neighbors and experts concerned with flooding, erosion and other shoreline issues in South Shore kicked off an effort this week to strengthen the community against Lake Michigan and the impacts of climate change.
The first South Shore Coastal Resiliency Convening took place Tuesday night at Saint Luke Missionary Baptist Church, 7262 S. Coles Ave. The group was created to identify strategies and infrastructure that can reduce lakefront erosion and flooding in the neighborhood, officials said.
The study area stretches from 67th to 79th streets north to south, and from Oglesby and Exchange avenues east to the lake. The nonprofit Delta Institute was chosen by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to manage the project.
Though Lake Michigan water levels have fallen from a 2020 peak that caused major flooding in South Shore, preparations remain necessary as water levels are fluctuating more dramatically amid climate change, experts said.
Tuesday’s educational meeting featured research into shoreline issues and ideas that could be used to bolster South Shore’s coastline in the future, but it included no planning or final decisions. Several dozen neighbors attended this week’s session.
“Before you start talking about solutions to a problem, it’s really important to understand all the other elements of the problem,” said Malcolm Mossman, a program specialist at the Delta Institute.
Two more meetings are planned for December and February to define problem areas in the neighborhood and brainstorm solutions.
Neighbors interested in the resiliency project or joining its advisory council can email Mossman at mmossman@delta-institute.org or Lucas Chamberlain at lchamberlain@delta-institute.org.
The Delta Institute study will “include and dovetail with” the 2020 South Shore
Corridor Study, the 2022 South Shore Quality of Life plan and other existing planning efforts, officials said.
