New York Construction Report staff writer
A $42.3 million infrastructure project aimed at reducing street flooding and improving safety during rainstorms has been completed in the East Flatbush and Canarsie neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The initiative includes nearly 1,200 new flood-mitigation assets designed to manage stormwater, including 906 infiltration basins and 291 rain gardens. Together, these features are expected to capture approximately 122.5 million gallons of rainwater annually — the equivalent of 184 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
“Protecting New Yorkers from the dangers of flooding is essential to keeping them safe, now and in the future,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “These investments will reduce flooding and enhance public safety by capturing enough water to fill 184 Olympic swimming pools each year, making East Flatbush and Canarsie safer for residents and visitors alike.”
Rain gardens, designed to resemble curbside tree beds, can hold up to 2,500 gallons of rainwater. This water then percolates into the ground, preventing flooding by easing pressure on the city’s stormwater system. Infiltration basins, which are designed to blend into sidewalks, also capture rainwater, allowing it to seep into the earth and reduce runoff.
In addition to flood prevention, the project includes the planting of 223 new trees across both neighborhoods. These trees will help cool the area, improve air quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect, which is particularly important in heat-vulnerable areas like East Flatbush and Canarsie.
“Every storm reminds us that climate change is here, and we must act now,” said Rohit T. Aggarwala, the city’s Chief Climate Officer and Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). “This green infrastructure project is a quick, effective solution to mitigate flooding and reduce pollution, offering both immediate and long-term benefits for the community.”
The project is part of the city’s broader efforts to improve resilience against climate change. By utilizing green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and infiltration basins, the city aims to manage stormwater more efficiently and enhance the urban environment. This initiative also supports the city’s Climate Strong Communities program, which focuses on helping neighborhoods that are at risk from multiple climate threats.
“Bringing green infrastructure to East Flatbush and Canarsie is an example of how we can improve our neighborhoods while combating climate change,” said Thomas Foley, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC). “These projects not only reduce flooding but also beautify the streets, making them safer and more sustainable.”
As part of the broader strategy to address stormwater flooding, the city has invested $12.3 billion in stormwater infrastructure, including both traditional sewer upgrades and innovative green solutions. These investments are projected to prevent seven times as much damage as the initial outlay, underscoring the value of proactive climate adaptation.
This latest project follows a series of infrastructure upgrades aimed at bolstering the city’s resilience to extreme weather, including significant sewer system improvements in neighborhoods like College Point and Maspeth, and the installation of the 200th flood sensor in Corona, Queens.
The completion of this green infrastructure project further strengthens New York City’s commitment to reducing flooding, improving safety, and making neighborhoods more sustainable in the face of climate change.
