Streets in Broad Channel Phase I were raised to reduce their vulnerability to climate change and received new storm sewers, curbs, shared sidewalks, signs and crosswalks

NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley has announced that Phase II of an infrastructure project in Broad Channel, Queens, which is raising streets and adding new storm sewers to reduce flooding in an area that is frequently inundated by Jamaica Bay during high tides and storms has been selected to receive an Envision Verified Award for sustainability from ISI.

Phase II of the work will provide upgrades to residents on West 14^th Road, West 15^th Road, West 16^th Road and West 17^th Road. Construction includes the installation of new bulkheads at the end of each street to address eave attenuation and flood mitigation; rising each street’s centerline; shared streets; signage and striping that that will enhance safety by providing pedestrians the right of way; and the addition of new storm sewers and replacement of sanitary sewers and water mains. The project, which began in summer 2020, is anticipated to be completed in summer 2024.

“DDC is seeking a long-term sustainable solution to the flooding that Broad Channel residents have long dealt with the aftermath of rain events and even during high tides,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “It’s very gratifying for the DDC team when those efforts are recognized by a group such as the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.”

“We are pleased to announce an Envision Verified Award for the Broad Channel Phase II Project,” said Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Managing Director Melissa Peneycad. “This project represents a successful collaboration — a model for how to plan and design for reconstruction and resilience while proactively taking into account the interests of the local community.”

The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure developed and manages Envision, a framework that encourages systemic changes in the planning, design and delivery of sustainable and resilient infrastructure through education, training and third-party project verification. The Envision sustainable infrastructure framework assesses project sustainability across five categories: Quality of Life, Leadership, Resource Allocation, Natural World and Climate and Resilience. To earn an Envision Verified award, a project must achieve a range of sustainability and resilience outcomes. Broad Channel Phase II was cited by ISI for improving quality of life, stakeholder relations, teamwork and collaboration, evaluating climate resilience and enhanced infrastructure integration.

DDC’s East Side Coastal Resiliency project and Starlight Park projects have both previously received an Envision Gold Award.

Download the project announcement.

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About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15.5 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.

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