Following extensive infrastructure and resiliency improvement efforts, the reconstructed section of Edgemere Avenue between Beach 32nd Street and Beach 38th Street on the Rockaway Peninsula finally reopened on Wednesday, May 28.
The reconstruction effort, which took nearly two years, resulted in green infrastructure elements being incorporated. Edgemere Avenue was also widened to allow for a larger traffic capacity and raised to reduce flooding risks. These upgrades were made as part of the Arverne East project, which calls for the multifaceted transformation of 116 acres of a vacant oceanfront site, including the development of a nature preserve, mixed-income housing, diverse neighborhood retail, parking, infrastructure improvements and flood protection. Arverne East will be the first net-zero community in New York City.
“After over 20 months of closure, the reopening of Edgemere Avenue marks a monumental step for NY-05,” U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks said. “Prioritizing green, anti-flooding infrastructure, the renovated road will improve constituent experience with safer upgrades dedicated to community wellbeing and climate resilience. The reward for our patience will be twofold, as Edgemere’s closure has allowed for substantial progress within the beautiful Arverne East development, one of the country’s greenest real estate sites. With zero reliance on fossil fuels, Arverne East will be a model for the future of environmentally friendly communities that embrace diversity in culture, housing and economic opportunities. As climate change ramps up, I’m excited for my constituents to reap the benefits of the newly improved green infrastructure while looking forward to expanding efforts of climate resistance in Queens.”
The roadwork on Edgemere Avenue stretched half a mile. This work included new storm and sanitary sewers, water mains and stormwater swales. Such improvements align with New York City’s goal of eliminating as much rainwater from the city system as possible, especially in coastal communities like the Rockaways.
“I’ve long said the Rockaways deserve the same urgency and attention as any other community,” State Senator James Sanders Jr. said. “The long-awaited reopening is a turning point for Edgemere. I’m proud to see this community take a major step forward, and I commend all the partners involved for pushing through to the finish line. Let this be the beginning of even greater investment in the Rockaways.”
Other streetscape upgrades made along Edgemere Avenue included remodeling the sidewalks and curbs and new paving, painting, hydrants, tree plantings and street lighting.
“Edgemere Avenue serves as a major lifeline for much of the Rockaway Peninsula, and by having upgraded infrastructure and the street widened for more traffic capacity, our community will now have an easier time getting from Point A to Point B,” Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato said.
Edgemere Avenue’s reconstruction marks the latest major completion of work from the Arverne East project. The first phase, which involved a 35-acre nature preserve and a beachfront community center, the Coastal Conservation Center, was completed in April 2024.
“Once again, the revolutionary Arverne East plan delivers for Rockaway families. I couldn’t be prouder of the work being done to make the peninsula more resilient against climate change and chronic flooding through state-of-the-art infrastructure beneath our brand new roadways,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said. “The days of systemic disinvestment along the peninsula are over, and I can’t wait to continue the incredible work of building out the Arverne East project, which will serve as the blueprint for our city to follow when it comes to true community development.”
The Arverne East development will also feature 1,650 housing units, as well as diverse neighborhood retail meant to be responsive to the needs of the community and which prioritizes local businesses. In addition to being the first net-zero community in the city, the completed development would also be among the most environmentally conscious in the United States, eliminating the need for fossil fuels on site.
“Reopening Edgemere Avenue makes good on a decades-old promise to the Rockaway community that we are proud to see finally delivered. The Rockaways were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, and we have a responsibility to rebuild stronger, smarter and more sustainably,” Acting New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said. “The same strategic framework to build approximately 1,650 units and other community amenities at Arverne East also made possible a new thoroughfare that will help mitigate sea level rise and improve a critical road artery. This is how we build stronger communities that are prepared, through robust infrastructure and the kind of public-private partnerships that turn proposals into lasting change.”
The reopening of Edgemere Avenue was announced by the Arverne East Development Team, a joint venture of the real estate firms L+M Development Partners LLC and Triangle Equities and the real estate development company The Bluestone Organization. The team made the announcement in partnership with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the New York City Department of Transportation.
“The reopening of Edgemere Avenue is a significant milestone for the Rockaways, bringing long-overdue infrastructure improvements that will enhance safety, reduce flooding and create a more resilient community,” New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers said. “Investments in sustainable infrastructure are critical for coastal communities like ours, and I applaud the Arverne East Development Team, New York City Housing Preservation and Development and the Department of Transportation for their commitment to this project. As we push for equitable development and climate resilience, I will continue to work with our Arverne East partners to ensure we deliver resilient community infrastructure that benefits the entire peninsula.”
Stretching from Beach 32nd Street to Beach 56th Place, Arverne East is meant to encourage a resilient and inclusive community. Its programming is guided by community engagement in an effort to produce a thoughtful approach to development.
“The work performed on this portion of Edgemere Avenue signifies a big step forward for the Rockaway Peninsula,” L+M Development Partners Managing Director Sara Levenson said. “With new green infrastructure, resilient features and improvements to the streetscape, this project will not only fortify the area against the impacts of climate change but also deliver a better experience to residents, pedestrians and motorists. We look forward to welcoming the community to their new and improved roadway.”
