NEW YORK CITY-Though it's been in the works for several years, a plan unveiled Thursday by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer—in his final state of the borough address—should ease the minds of residents and workers in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan who fear being struck by any more monster storms. The forthcoming plan creates new fortifications and infrastructure to protect the borough against the next big weather event, as well a way to promote greater access to the East River from the Brooklyn Bridge to East 38th Street, according to an announcement of the plan.

Developed in partnership with Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh, the plan first was created in 2010, long before Hurricane Sandy devastated many homes and businesses. Stringer's office is allocating $3.5 million to help launch the plan, called the East River Blueway Project, which he calls “a model of community engagement for rebuilding other storm-damaged areas,” according to the announcement.

“What we have created here is a model that not only helps communities to re-imagine their waterfronts, but also helps to safeguard them at the same time,” Stringer said. “In the end, this is a roadmap to recovery built by the community and for the community.”