By Ivan Pereira
The Springfield Gardens streets that were deluged during powerful rainstorms more than a month ago were spared another wet cleanup over the weekend, according to City Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton).
The elected official said the torrential storms that hit the city over the weekend did not create major flooding around Springfield Boulevard, where in August dozens of homes were flooded due to debris-covered storm drain basins.
After receiving numerous complaints from Sanders and the residents, the city Department of Environmental Protection said it would do a better job cleaning the area and place the community on its watch list for frequently flooded areas. Sanders said the agency lived up to its promises.
“Apparently, they have come out and done some major cleanup and it seems to be working,” he said.
On Aug. 22, several homes on Springfield Boulevard north of the Belt Parkway suffered damage from waters that could not get to the newly installed storm sewer in the area. The agency met with community members shortly after the flooding, told them what happened and took complaints during two separate meetings.
DEP representatives would not comment about this weekend’s storms, but Sanders said his neighborhood felt safer knowing the city was watching them.
“The residents and I feel much better with the terrible storms that have taken place and we are none the worse for wear,” he said.
The councilman said he is still working with the city comptroller’s office to find ways to reimburse flood victims for their damage-related bills.
“We are still looking to make sure that the city makes us whole from the last storm, but these new storms have not crippled us,” he said.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
