Current flooding issues in Rosedale will be addressed by the infrastructure upgrades. Image Credit: NYC DDC.
On July 31, 2024, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), and the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced the commencement of a $51.8 million infrastructure program in Rosedale, Queens. The program has been created in response to the severe flooding episodes in Rosedale over the years and climate change. This project will be managed by the New York City Department of Design and Construction.
The multistep project involves improving stormwater management, upgrading the tap water distribution system, reconstructing the streets, and other transportation improvements.
Stormwater management will be improved by upgrading, installing, and expanding the storm sewer system. Nearly 1.5 miles of local storm sewers will be upgraded to increase the drainage network. More than half a mile of sanitary sewers will be newly installed. And 92 catch basins and 13 underground storm chambers will be constructed to help drain precipitation from the roadways.
The tap water distribution system will be enhanced by upgrading water mains and installing new hydrants. Roughly two miles of water mains will be upgraded from six-to eight-inch cast iron pipes, to stronger eight-to 12-inch ductile iron pipes. The newer pipes are less prone to breakage than the priorly used cast iron pipes. There will be 14 new hydrants installed and 21 hydrants upgraded to improve firefighters access to the City’s water supply during emergencies.
There will be 36 blocks reconstructed with new roadways replacing over 4.5 miles of damaged/broken curbs and over 4.5 acres of sidewalks. There will be 130 ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps built. The goal is to improve traffic safety and flow on major roadways such as Francis Lewis Boulevard, Hook Creek Boulevard and Hungry Harbor Road. There will also be traffic signs, pavement markings, bus pads, street lighting, and traffic signals added or upgraded.
The project is part of New York City’s $2.64 billion investment to build a comprehensive drainage system, improve street conditions, and alleviate flooding in neighborhoods throughout southeast Queens. The program is the largest of its kind consisting of 46 projects overall, 24 of which have already completed.
The Rosedale project is expected to be completed the winter of 2026.
New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said, “New York City is putting more money into improving the sewer and water infrastructure of Southeast Queens than any other neighborhood in the city. As climate change brings more extreme rainfall, this $51 million investment will ensure better stormwater drainage, as well as tap water distribution, in Rosedale and improve the lives of property and business owners in this area for decades to come.”
New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, “Not only will this infrastructure project prevent flooding and bring new roadways, but it will deliver critical safety enhancements to an underserved area in Southeast Queens. The replacement of curbs, sidewalks, and pedestrian ramps, as well as the addition or upgrade of street lighting, traffic signals, signage, bus pads, and pavement markings will benefit many pedestrians and bus riders in the Rosedale community.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)