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Chesapeake Industrial Waterfront Study

A Waterfront Study leveraging economic development, flood risk reduction, and public access to water.

The Chesapeake Industrial Waterfront Study is a planning effort led by Waggonner & Ball and Moffatt & Nichol focusing on a 10-mile long stretch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake, VA. Significant waterfront industrial activity occurs along this river, particularly towards the northern city boundary where the channel is regularly federally maintained and there are fewer height constraints like bridges. However, the waterfront is also a prime location for all types of real estate including residential and commercial, and these uses often compete for space. Complicating things further, Chesapeake is experiencing increased coastal hazards including heavy rain events, recurrent flooding, and sea level rise. As such, two goals of the study were to understand the current condition of the industrial waterfront and to determine preferred uses based on current and future conditions relative to coastal hazards.  


The Industrial Waterfront Study advances maritime land-use planning by reversing a trend seen across the country: rather than trying to plan what to do with failing industrial uses, Chesapeake has asked how to support and promote industry in such a way that it can grow and thrive. The plan recognizes the importance of these revenue- and job-generating industries. While the focus of the study was the industrial waterfront, resilient and future-proofed links to rail and road were also key considerations, as was public access where industrial uses has become obsolete. The sum of these parts is a holistic vision for the Southern Branch that allows space for industrial growth, protection of critical natural features, and places for the community to access recreation and public waterfronts. The study identified over 30 potential projects and several sites for potential industrial development.



Client

City of Chesapeake, VA

Year

2022-2024

Awards

APA Virginia Holzheimer Economic Development Award

Team

Waggonner & Ball, Moffatt & Nichol, PRR, Aegir Port Property Advisors