City Invests $390 Million to Overhaul Bushwick’s Sewer System, Tackle Chronic Flooding
A Historic Investment in Bushwick
City officials announced on February 26 that $390 million will be invested in Bushwick’s sewer system to address chronic flooding that has plagued the neighborhood for decades. The overhaul will begin with Knickerbocker Avenue, with plans to improve the water drainage system and reduce the impact of flooding, which has become more frequent in recent years.
Improvements to the Sewer System
The investments will replace about three miles of sewer piping, increasing its capacity by 850%. Renovations will also address water catch basins, and more than a mile of water mains will be replaced to improve the neighborhood’s water distribution infrastructure.
Support from City Officials
The project is part of the City of Yes initiative, a $5 billion rezoning and infrastructure improvement plan approved under the Adams administration in 2023. The infrastructure overhaul is supported by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the mayor’s office, and City Council Member Sandy Nurse.
Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi emphasized the need for the investment, stating, “Bushwick has needed new sewer infrastructure since the 1960s — but the need has become more pronounced as more extreme weather has become our new normal in New York.”
A Bittersweet Moment for the Community
Salvatore Polizzi, owner of Tony’s Pizzeria, reflected on the decades of flooding his family business has endured, calling the announcement “a bittersweet moment” for the community. “Businesses, residents, and building owners have been on the front lines,” he said. “Every business in this community along Knickerbocker Ave. has suffered every single year.”
Carmine Camporese, owner of IL Bel Paese Pizzeria & Trattoria, shared his own struggles with flooding, including the loss of his car to flood damage.
FloodNet Sensors
Newly added FloodNet sensors have been installed at the intersection of Knickerbocker Avenue and Hart Street, providing the city with real-time flooding information to monitor dangerous conditions and drain blockages.
Closing Remarks
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of protecting the city’s streets, homes, and businesses from extreme flooding, stating, “With climate change on the rise, it’s more important than ever to protect our streets, homes, and businesses from extreme flooding. This nearly $400-million investment as part of our ‘City of Yes’ proposal will help do exactly that.”
Conclusion
The city’s investment in Bushwick’s sewer system is a significant step towards addressing the chronic flooding that has plagued the neighborhood for decades. The project is expected to begin in 2029, with a projected construction period of three to four years.
FAQs
* What is the total investment in Bushwick’s sewer system?
+ $390 million
* What is the scope of the project?
+ Replacement of about three miles of sewer piping, increasing its capacity by 850%
+ Renovations to water catch basins and water mains
* When is the project expected to begin?
+ 2029
* How long is the construction period expected to last?
+ Three to four years
