Phil Goldfeder explains Beach Channel Drive Closure

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder

Assemblyman Goldfeder Statement on Beach Channel Drive Closure

Rockaway Beach, Queens - The closure of Beach Channel Drive at Beach 108th Street to inspect possible structural issues underscores the need for comprehensive repairs to our infrastructure here in Rockaway. For years, I have fought for repairs to the Jamaica Bay bulkheads, from Far Rockaway across to Ft. Tilden, to best protect our families from future storm surges. The collapse of the bulkheads during Sandy at Beach 108th Street exposed the serious deterioration of this vital protection and this week's closure further underscores the need for repairs. 

I have been in regular contact with the Department of Transportation and National Grid as they work to assess the severity of this current situation. I now call on both to conduct a thorough investigation of the structural integrity of the area's bulkheads and roadways. At the same time, I urge steps be taken to prevent contamination to the bay by the adjacent National Grid site. 

Our community has made great progress in improving resiliency in the three years since Sandy. Still, we are only as strong as our weakest link. I will continue to fight for the infrastructure upgrades we need to have complete, unbroken storm protections across the Rockaway Peninsula.