CoreNet New York City City hosts "Resiliency: Are you Ready for the Next Superstorm?"x
March 23, 2015 - Brokerage
The New York City Chapter of CoreNet Global hosted a program entitled "Resiliency: Are you Ready for the Next Superstorm?" which was held on Wednesday, February 4 at the Mohawk Showroom at 71 West 23rd St. Hussain Ali-Kahn, director of strategy at CBRE, moderated a distinguished panel of speakers from highly respected companies:
* Vincent Warner, managing principal of WB Engineers
* Michael Sciara, principal and vice president of John W. Baumgarten Architect
* Chip Logan, director of global real estate at BNY Mellon
The Devastation of Sandy
The panel discussed the threat posed by Superstorms in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and how CRE professionals can best help prepare their companies and their communities for potential future disasters. Panelists recounted severe damages incurred by Superstorm Sandy, including loss of power to buildings such as hospitals and flooded basements. Said Logan, "No one thought a storm like Sandy would hit this City. No one was ready, and preparation was insufficient. I remember downtown Manhattan looking like a third world country."
Next Time, We'll Be Ready
Panelists lauded the resiliency of New Yorkers in weathering the storm. They offered several recommendations in preparation for potential future storms including the addition of submersible generators to critical facilities, greater quantities of materials to redirect water such as sandbags, and more sophisticated pumping systems.