The lack of leadership, of intelligent planning, of compliance with laws -- laws of nature and of preparedness -- are broadly demonstrated in coastal areas around the world, and now from Houston to Florida, teaching the importance of wise land/water use.

Yet in New London there is talk of unsustainable development in flood plains, wetlands, along rivers -- and the unstoppable laying of impervious surfaces, jammed together into one vulnerable venue of industries, residences, transportation hubs, shipping lanes, evacuation routes, military installations, complex integrated systems, and worn-out infrastructure.

And a glass box on stilts, which can now especially be seen as preposterous, as well as against the laws.

This is the applicable state regulation: "The Downtown New London waterfront has been designated as a conservation Area...because of its location in a flood plain."

(State) Policy: “Discourage new development activities within floodway and floodplain areas … manage unavoidable activities.” State policy also promotes long-term, non-intensive uses for projects within flood hazard areas. Intensive floodplain uses have been interpreted by the state environmental agency to include any increase in square footage of retail, industrial or business uses.”

Note: This area is within floodplain and "Velocity Zone".

Destruction in Houston and Florida were preventable, billion dollar, deadly disasters. New London can afford this? Think again, Coast Guard Museum stakeholders.

Nancy d'Estang

Mystic