Climate change is not only wreaking havoc on the environment but also on housing markets across the country. Brittany Powell, a former California resident who moved to Vermont seeking refuge from climate disasters, found herself facing similar challenges in her new home.
Powell moved to Vermont in 2016 to escape the wildfires that were becoming more frequent in California due to climate change. She thought she had found a safe haven in the Northeast, far from hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, or tornadoes. However, in 2020, as COVID-19 forced many people to work from home, a wave of new residents flooded into rural areas like Vermont, driving up housing prices and leaving many without affordable housing.
Last July, heavy rains caused flash floods in central Vermont, including Montpelier where Powell lived. Her basement was flooded twice within a year, causing extensive damage and leading her to reconsider her decision to stay. The influx of new residents had made the real estate market unaffordable and limited her options for relocation.
The housing crisis in America is not a new issue, dating back to the Great Recession in 2008 when developers cut back on new construction. The deficit of housing units in the country has reached 3.8 million, exacerbated by strict zoning laws in cities that limit new developments. Despite efforts to streamline the building process, local opposition often hinders progress.
As Powell and many others grapple with the effects of climate change on housing markets, it is clear that finding a safe haven from environmental disasters is becoming increasingly challenging. The intersection of climate change, housing affordability, and urban planning presents a complex problem that requires innovative solutions from policymakers and communities alike.
The cost of building new homes has risen dramatically over the past five years, as everything has become more expensive. This increase in cost has made it even more challenging for individuals and families to afford housing. The rising prices are a result of various factors, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased demand for housing.
Adding to the challenges of the housing market is the impact of extreme weather events caused by climate change. These disasters have intensified over the past few decades, resulting in billions of dollars in damages each year. Last year alone, 2.5 million Americans were displaced by extreme weather events, highlighting the vulnerability of the country’s housing stock to the effects of climate change.
One state that has been particularly impacted by these challenges is Vermont. The state has faced devastating floods and a growing housing shortage, with a recent report indicating the need for between 24,000 and 36,000 new homes by 2029. The cost of building new homes has also increased significantly, making it difficult for renters and homeowners to afford housing.
In response to these challenges, Vermont officials are taking steps to address the housing crisis. Democratic member of the Vermont House of Representatives, Seth Bongartz, introduced a bill to make it easier for municipalities to approve new housing developments in populated areas. The aim is to build denser housing and prevent sprawl into the state’s wilderness while expanding the housing stock.
City leaders in Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, are also working to address the housing and climate crises in the city. A new commission has been established to develop strategies to protect the city from the effects of climate change, with input from concerned residents. The goal is to make Montpelier more resilient to extreme weather events before they occur.
Overall, the rising cost of building new homes, coupled with the impact of climate change-driven disasters, has created significant challenges for the housing market in the U.S. States like Vermont are taking proactive steps to address these challenges and ensure that residents have access to safe and affordable housing in the face of a changing climate.
In the aftermath of the Great Vermont Flood of 2023, the small city of Montpelier faced significant challenges and changes. The gold-domed capitol building, a symbol of the city’s history and resilience, now stood as a sentinel over a community struggling to recover.
Close to 100 buildings in Montpelier were damaged during the flood, with many businesses bearing the brunt of the destruction. Some shops were unable to reopen, while others faced financial struggles as they tried to recoup their losses. The closure of the only federal post office in the city added to the inconvenience for residents, who now had to travel to neighboring towns to mail packages.
One poignant example of the impact of the flood was the story of Melissa and Carlo Whittaker, owners of the Positive Pie pizza restaurant in downtown Montpelier. The floodwaters destroyed their restaurant, leaving behind a scene of devastation. Determined to rebuild, the Whittakers faced a daunting task of repairs and upgrades, costing them $800,000. With the help of insurance and state assistance, they managed to cover a portion of the expenses but had to take out a federal loan using their house as collateral to cover the rest.
The Whittakers’ story is just one of many in Montpelier, where homeowners are living on the edge of financial ruin, one disaster away from losing everything. As the city and state leaders grapple with the immediate needs of those affected by the flood, they are also faced with the daunting task of preparing for future disasters.
Ben Doyle, president of the Preservation Trust of Vermont, is leading efforts to protect the city’s historic buildings and heritage. The organization is working on projects to ensure the resilience of Montpelier’s infrastructure and community in the face of future disasters. The challenges ahead are immense, but the spirit of resilience and determination in Montpelier gives hope for a brighter future. Ben Doyle, a longtime resident of Montpelier, Vermont, has found a new passion in volunteering for the Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience. This agency was established in response to the devastating flooding that occurred in the city last year, at the urging of Montpelier residents who were determined to build a more resilient community.
Doyle’s involvement with the commission has consumed much of his spare time, as he is committed to making a positive impact on his community. While he may not be able to coach basketball, he believes that his efforts with the commission are equally important.
The commission was born out of a series of well-attended public meetings led by Paul Costello, a local mediator with a talent for facilitating tough conversations. The meetings focused on climate resilience and strategies to mitigate the impact of future disasters. Discussions ranged from improving communication and early warning systems to fortifying essential infrastructure like the city’s water treatment facility.
One of the key challenges faced by Montpelier residents was the slow and confusing federal disaster relief process. With less than 2 percent of Vermonters having flood insurance before the floods hit, many were left struggling to navigate the aftermath of the disaster.
Housing shortages and affordability became pressing issues in the wake of the flooding, with residents like Brittany Powell finding it difficult to secure new living accommodations. Costello acknowledged that addressing the housing crisis was not the primary goal of the meetings, but it was a pervasive issue that needed attention.
At a final meeting attended by over 300 people, the community voted on resilience projects to prioritize. Initiatives included establishing an emergency response system, restoring the floodplain, and creating a more resilient downtown area. Subsequently, the Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience was officially established, consisting of 14 volunteers and one paid executive director.
One of the projects that Doyle has been actively involved in is the development of 5 Home Farm Way, an 18-acre parcel of land that will serve as a natural containment area for floodwater. The site, which once housed a historic home belonging to the founding family of Montpelier, is being transformed into a flood protection zone. Despite initial plans to convert the house into a museum, Doyle recognized the necessity of removing the building due to climate change concerns.
The project at 5 Home Farm Way is still in progress, with engineering studies underway to determine the impact it will have on averting future floods in Montpelier. Once completed, the site is expected to provide critical flood protection for the town, safeguarding homes and businesses from the devastating effects of future disasters. Doyle’s dedication to this project exemplifies the community’s resilience and determination to build a more sustainable future for Montpelier. Montpelier, the capital city of Vermont, is facing a dual challenge of climate change and affordable housing shortages. The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, with flooding becoming a major concern for the city. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, local officials and residents are taking proactive steps to address these issues.
One such initiative is the floodplain restoration project led by local resident Tom Doyle. The project involves transforming an 18-acre parcel of land to mitigate flooding in Montpelier. Doyle envisions that by lowering the floodwater levels by just 6 inches, the project could have a significant impact on reducing the risk of flooding in the city. However, he acknowledges that a single project is not enough to address the scale of the flooding issue. Doyle emphasizes the importance of coordinating multiple projects across the region to truly make a difference in floodplain restoration. While the endeavor may require substantial funding and years of work, it holds the potential to safeguard Montpelier against future flooding events.
On the other side of the city, a different approach is being taken to tackle the intertwined challenges of climate change and affordable housing. The Montpelier City Council is undertaking a housing development project on the site of an old golf course owned by The Elks social club. The property, which had been vacant for years, presented an opportunity to create much-needed affordable housing in the city. Despite a lack of interest from developers in pursuing affordable housing projects in Montpelier, the city council decided to step in and purchase the property with plans to develop it into a mixed-use recreational and housing site.
Council member Hierl emphasizes the critical need for affordable housing in Montpelier, especially in light of the housing crisis exacerbated by the floods. By taking proactive measures and investing in affordable housing initiatives, the city aims to address the pressing housing needs of its residents. The project not only provides a solution to the housing shortage but also contributes to the overall resilience of the community in the face of climate change impacts.
These initiatives in Montpelier underscore the importance of local action in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and affordable housing shortages. By engaging in proactive planning and collaborative efforts, the city is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient future for its residents. As communities continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change, innovative projects like floodplain restoration and affordable housing developments serve as models for building climate-resilient cities. In the wake of the devastating floods that hit Montpelier, the city council members, including Hierl, were jolted into action. The floods inundated dozens of houses by the river, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to address climate resilience and affordable housing in the community.
One key realization that emerged from the crisis was the importance of investing in projects that could mitigate the impact of future disasters. The former Elks Club property, located on higher ground away from flood-prone areas, presented a prime opportunity for such an investment. The council envisioned building approximately 300 units of housing on the site, which would significantly alleviate the housing shortage in Montpelier.
However, there were several hurdles to overcome before the project could move forward. The property lacked essential infrastructure such as sewage, water, and electricity lines. It also needed a road with two exit points, as per Vermont state law. Additionally, a developer needed to come on board to cover most of the upfront costs of construction. While the city had $500,000 in FEMA funds from 2023, it was clear that more resources would be needed to bring the project to fruition.
Hierl estimated that it would take three years before the city could break ground on the development, with a couple more years before the new housing units would be available on the market. Despite the time and effort required, Hierl emphasized the critical need for affordable housing opportunities in Montpelier. Without the city’s intervention, such opportunities might not materialize, leaving residents without viable housing options.
The challenges faced by Montpelier are not unique to the city alone. Across Vermont and the country, the need for affordable, climate-resilient housing is growing. Alex Farrell, Vermont’s top housing official, acknowledged the difficulty of addressing this need without outside help. He emphasized the importance of innovative solutions and collaboration at the federal level to tackle the housing crisis exacerbated by extreme weather events.
In response to these challenges, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Tina Smith introduced a bill to create a $30 billion social housing authority within the federal government. The bill aimed to finance affordable housing units across the U.S. and build on previous green housing legislation proposed by AOC and Bernie Sanders in 2019.
While the new legislation faces obstacles in Congress, local and state officials in Vermont, regardless of political affiliation, agree that bold and creative solutions are necessary. Hierl stressed the need for better-equipped government entities at all levels to support communities through climate disasters that are becoming more frequent and severe.
In conclusion, the floods in Montpelier served as a wake-up call for proactive action on climate resilience and affordable housing. The challenges ahead are substantial, but with a concerted effort and innovative solutions, communities like Montpelier can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all residents. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable living and environmental conservation. As a result, many individuals and communities are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize their impact on the planet. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through eco-friendly transportation.
Eco-friendly transportation refers to modes of transportation that are designed to have minimal impact on the environment. This can include electric vehicles, bicycles, walking, and public transportation. By using these modes of transportation, individuals can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and help combat climate change.
One of the most popular forms of eco-friendly transportation is electric vehicles (EVs). EVs run on electricity rather than gasoline, which means they produce zero tailpipe emissions. This makes them much cleaner and more sustainable than traditional gas-powered vehicles. In addition to being better for the environment, EVs also have lower operating costs and require less maintenance, making them a cost-effective option for many consumers.
Another eco-friendly transportation option is cycling. Bicycles are a zero-emission mode of transportation that not only reduce carbon emissions but also promote physical fitness and improve overall health. Many cities around the world are investing in bike lanes and infrastructure to encourage cycling as a sustainable transportation option.
Walking is another eco-friendly mode of transportation that is not only good for the environment but also for personal health. Walking is a zero-emission activity that requires no fuel and produces no pollution. By choosing to walk instead of drive, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and improve their physical fitness at the same time.
Public transportation is also a key component of eco-friendly transportation. Buses, trains, and subways are more energy-efficient than individual cars and can help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in urban areas. By opting for public transportation over driving, individuals can help reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Overall, eco-friendly transportation is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. By choosing modes of transportation that have minimal impact on the environment, individuals can play a crucial role in protecting the planet for future generations. Whether it’s driving an electric vehicle, cycling, walking, or taking public transportation, there are many ways to incorporate eco-friendly transportation into everyday life and make a positive impact on the environment.
