Throggs Neck Houses, Bronx. Upgrades in storm water management and green infrastructure are finished. July 27, 2021
The drainage chambers capture nearly two million gallons of stormwater annually. On August 16, 2021, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the completion of a drainage upgrade at the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Throggs Neck Houses in the Bronx. The $1.3 million project will decrease flooding and overflows into the East River.
The project included the construction of two subsurface stormwater drainage chambers that will capture nearly two million gallons of stormwater per year. One of the subsurface drainage chambers was built beneath a parking lot, which has now been completely resurfaced. The second drainage chamber was built under a low-point where several walkways converge.
DEP also repaired a drain in an adjacent parking lot and resurfaced a portion of the lot to ensure proper drainage. The subsurface installations allow stormwater to be absorbed naturally into the ground, minimize ponding and keep stormwater from entering the sewer system, where it would otherwise contribute to overflows into the upper East River.
DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza stated, “By upgrading the drainage facilities at NYCHA’s Throggs Neck Houses we will continue the important work of improving the health of the East River while also improving services for residents. We look forward to continuing this critical partnership with NYCHA in order to provide the same drainage and landscaping improvements at other development across the five boroughs.”
By: Victoria Agosta (Victoria is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)