11 comments $60 million living oyster reef aimed at reducing waves on Staten Island's South Shore

Jillian Jorgensen

MANHATTAN - As the region looks to become more resilient in the face of future storms like Hurricane Sandy, in Staten Island, planners are looking to the borough's past to do so - with a $60 million living reef off the shore of Tottenville harkening back to the borough's oyster farming days.

A living breakwater project designed by SCAPE Landscape Architects was among the winning projects for the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Rebuild by Design contest, and the state will receive $60 million from HUD to implement it along the South Shore coast.

"The proposal is going to create a living breakwater that will reduce wave action and erosion and lower risk from heavy storms," HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said. "It also includes a plan to engage the local schools to help build resilience awareness in the community."

Kate Orff, principal at SCAPE, called their win a "big win for Staten Island."

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