NYC launches long-awaited sewer, drainage project for flood-prone neighborhood

After decades of chronic flooding and sewage contamination, New York City is moving forward with a long-delayed plan to build modern sewer and stormwater infrastructure for a 12-block neighborhood known as The Hole, straddling the Brooklyn-Queens border. 

According to Planetizen, the low-lying area sits roughly 10 to 15 feet below surrounding streets, creating a natural basin that traps rainwater and sewage overflow. Most homes currently rely on failing septic tanks, which frequently flood and leak contaminants into nearby soil and waterways.

Under the new plan, the city will construct a comprehensive sanitary sewer network to connect residents to the municipal wastewater system for the first time. A separate storm sewer system will direct runoff toward a nearby 17-acre city-owned lot, incorporating bluebelts and green-infrastructure elements to capture and filter stormwater before discharge to Jamaica Bay, Planetizen reported.

Engineers are also evaluating raising certain streets by up to 10 feet to eliminate dead-end drainage points, with options such as buyouts or structural retrofits for affected properties. Once completed, the project is expected to improve flood resilience, reduce groundwater contamination, and support controlled redevelopment in one of New York’s most flood-vulnerable neighborhoods.

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