In Today's N.Y. Daily News.....

In today's N.Y. Daily News.....

Broad Channel residents gearing up for ‘supermoon’

Spectacular view could come with major flooding

By Lisa L. Colangelo / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Broad Channel residents Sophia DeVirgilio and Peter Mahon at the end of West 12th Road, an area especially vulnerable to flooding. Residents are concerned that the high tide due to the “supermoon” this weekend will cause flooding.  (Photo by Christie M. Farriella for New York Daily News)

In Broad Channel, where residents track tidal charts the way horseracing fans scour the Daily Racing Form, news of this weekend’s “supermoon” is spreading quickly.

The phenomenon, which happens when the moon is full at the same time that it swings closest to the Earth, should provide a spectacular view. But it could also bring high tides, causing possible flooding in low-lying parts of the island.

“It means if you need something from the store, get it now,” said Peter Mahon of the West 12th Road Block Association. “People could lose some trash cans.”

Or worse.

Mahon said his neighbors have found their cars half submerged in water because they weren’t able to move them to Cross Bay Blvd. before high tide warnings.

“Almost everyone has a tide calendar,” said long-time resident Jim O’Brien. “And we all let our neighbors know what is going on.”

Sophia DeVirgilio, whose car was totalled from flooding, knows to keep a sturdy pair of rain boots in the trunk of her current car.

“You never know if you are going to need them when you get home from work,” she said.

Locals have complained for years about flooding with few remedies.

That changed in 2010 when dozens of residents showed up for a meeting at Queens Borough Hall and ramped up the pressure on city officials.

Mahon and O’Brien are hoping a fledgling city Department of Transportation project to raise several streets will help alleviate the decades-old flooding problem.

Under the plan, still being hashed out, the city would replace several blocks, including West 11th and West 12th roads, with a so-called “shared street” design where sidewalks and roadway would be level.

Elected officials, including Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, have secured $24 million for the project, according to Dan Mundy Jr., president of the Broad Channel Civic Association.

“We do believe the streets have settled over the years,” Mundy said. “And we also know scientists are saying the tidal levels are rising due to global warming. Between the two, there is a real impact on people who live here.”

DOT officials said the roadbed and sidewalk would be raised between 1 to 3 feet and include new drainage. Work is expected to begin in Spring 2013.