With storm season looming, Broad Channel residents push city to move quickly on flood control plan
Department of Transportation plans to elevate sunken roads in Broad Channel under ‘shared streets’ project
By Lisa L. Colangelo / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Broad Channel residents Sophia DeDirgilio and Peter Mahon at the end of W. 12th Rd., which is an area especially vulnerable to flooding. Queens Transportation Commissioner Maura McCarthy is scheduled to attend a Broad Channel Civic Association meeting on Sept. 27 and unveil finalized plans for project to alleviate flooding.
Residents of W. 12th Rd., where floodwaters have totaled cars and turned streets into canals, said they are still waiting the start of a $24 million project to elevate the roadway.
“When I got home today, the tide was all the way up to my house,” said John Heaphy, who has lived in Broad Channel for 40 years. “I leave my car on the [Cross Bay] boulevard.”
Heaphy said it’s been two years since Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and others pledged funds to pay for the project, which will elevate the level of W. 11th, 12th and 13th roads by several inches.
“There’s always something to postpone it,” Heaphy said on Tuesday. “We were supposed to be done and now they are talking about spring 2013.
Queens Transportation Commissioner Maura McCarthy is scheduled to attend a Broad Channel Civic Association meeting on Sept. 27 and unveil finalized plans for the project.
Under the so-called shared-streets concept, sidewalks and roads will be level. But homeowners will have to allow construction on their property.
Broad Channel is surrounded by Jamaica Bay, giving many residents breathtaking waterfront views. But the water has also proven a formidable enemy for property owners, who have seen streets sink several inches over the years.
The end of W. 12th Rd. has essentially collapsed into the bay. “This is the lowest if not the second-lowest street in the whole channel,” said Sophia DeVirgilio, who lost a car to flood waters. “The kids needs boots to make it down the block to go to school. What if a power line falls into the water?”
Dan Mundy Jr., who heads the local civic association, said initial plans were revised after residents expressed concerns about some of the specifics.
City officials “had talked about putting steel bollards along the walkway,” said Mundy. “To their credit, they took them out.”
Mundy said he empathizes with Heaphy and DeVirgilio, noting their block floods even more in the fall and winter season because of nor’easters.
“I have my fingers crossed that when we walk out of that meeting, everyone will agree it’s a great plan,” said Mundy. “We’ll see.”
What is going on with the insurance companies and their adjusters. My adjuster took 60 days to submit my estimate and I'm still waiting for a check.
ReplyDeleteAnd they we are at the mercey of the bank to release funds. Do we get the interest on them holding our money?