NYC Planning "Resilient Neighborhoods" (Broad Channel)

Old Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach and Broad Channel

As part of the Resilient Neighborhoods initiative, the Department of City Planning is working with the communities of Old Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, and Broad Channel to collaboratively identify zoning and land use changes to address specific local conditions not addressed by the citywide Flood Resilience Zoning Text Amendment. These neighborhoods were identified for study as part of the initiative not only because they were among the city’s hardest-hit neighborhoods during Hurricane Sandy, but also because of their unique challenges and opportunities. The Old Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, and Broad Channel study area contains a concentration of small homes on narrow lots which pose challenges for retrofitting to flood-proof to FEMA base flood elevations.  In addition to hazards from storm surge, parts of these neighborhoods already experience periodic tidal flooding of streets, a condition likely to become more severe with projected sea level rise. This study will undertake an examination of zoning, land use, and coastal infrastructure to identify opportunities to support neighborhood resiliency and vitality. Poor drainage on low-lying streets in Old Howard Beach leads to street flooding after a rain storm. Street ends in Broad Channel often flood after heavy rain events. The expected outcomes for this Resilient Neighborhoods Study area are: Identifying short-term zoning changes to enable appropriate and resilient development, Coordination with capital agencies on potential short-term infrastructure upgrades, Identifying potential public safety issues resulting from the vulnerability of street networks, and strategies to address them, and Providing a detailed picture of long-term risks associated with flooding and storm events and their implications. Old Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach - View a larger image Broad Channel -  View a larger image Study Area and Flood Risk (FEMA Flood Zones)

Close All   Open All Community Profile Flood Risk and Neighborhood Resiliency How Are We Working With Communities? Related Projects and Initiatives In This Area For more information about the study contact the Queens Office of the Department of City Planning at 718-286-3170 or email at ResilientQueens_DL@planning.nyc.gov