Broad Channel residents will soon get some much-needed help in drying out.
A $24 million allocation by Borough President Helen Marshall moved a project slated for 2015 to the fiscal year beginning July – meaning that the years and years of flooding may soon come to an end.
“The community came to us in April,” said Alex Rosa, spokesperson. “The conference room was full and we saw pictures and video and heard stories of waist-high waters at high tide. She [Marshall] made a commitment and said, ‘This will not stand.’”
Rosa explained that the monies come from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and that the size and scope of the project is yet to be determined, though it will begin at West 12th Road, the lowest lying area.
“People can’t park their cars,” she said. “They are afraid of being electrocuted walking down the block. The fire department and ambulances are unable to reach people. It’s awful.”
Beginning in July, said Rosa, there will be meetings with several agencies, including the Department of Protection (DEP) and DOT.
Additionally, they will meet with civics, the Community Board and the residents to determine which streets will be included, depending on need.
Construction, which may include sewer work, raising streets, and possibly even bulkheads, is set to begin 12 months later.
“The community was so grateful,” said Rosa. “[The help was] too long in coming, but Helen was happy to be able to help solve a decades-old problem.”
