Manchester-by-the-sea
THE MAIN IMPACTS:
Erosion While most of the coastline is rocky, beach erosion is likely to continue to significantly threaten oceanfront homes and neighborhoods.
Marsh Loss About 11 (19%) of 56 acres of Manchester’s high marsh may be mostly flooded by 2050 [CIT. 2]. In the decades following 2050, most of the high marsh could be lost [CIT. 2].
Developed Coast Daily tidal and 10-year storm flooding may occur on roads and buildings near Magnolia Harbor, Kettle Cove, and Route 127 area between Pine Street and Central Pond in 2050 [CIT. 1,3].
OCEAN-FACING SHORELINE (29.6 MILES) [CIT. 4]
Shoreline types below can overlap, not cumulative
FUTURE STORM AND TIDAL FLOODING [CIT 1,3]
Blue=Current Shoreline / Red=2050 Chronic Tidal Flooding (MHHW) / Yellow=2050 1% (1 in 100 year) storm flooding
OTHER RISKS INCLUDE:
Property Damage A 10-year storm in Manchester may flood more than 207 buildings (7.3%) in 2050 [CIT. 3]. Chronic daily tidal flooding could impact 51 buildings (1.8%) in 2050 [CIT. 1].
Road Flooding Daily high tides are not expected to significantly flood roads (0.3 miles, 0.4%) in 2050 [CIT. 1]. An estimated 3.6 miles (6.3%) of roadway may flood in the event of a 100-year storm in 2050 [CIT. 3].
STRATEGY SNAPSHOT: HABITAT RESTORATION
Manchester plans to remove a tide gate from the 1930s and ecologically restore natural habitats to the Central Pond area of Sawmill Brook, which provides spawning habitat for state-listed rainbow smelt and other diadromous fish species. Restoring the waterway’s natural flow will allow for fish passage, benefit other fish species and wildlife, and mitigate climate-driven flooding. The plan also involves replacing a bridge on Central Street at the mouth of Manchester Harbor and opening the culvert beneath.