City Installs New Storm Sewers and Upgrades Water Mains and Sanitary Sewers to Alleviate Flooding in Westerleigh, Staten Island

The $4.7 Million Project Was Finished on Time and $1 Million Under Budget, Included Road and Sidewalk Renovations for Pedestrian Safety

DEP: 718-595-6600, DEPPressOffice@dep.nyc.gov
DOT: 212-839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov
DDC: Denisse Moreno, MorenoDe@ddc.nyc.gov, 718-391-1854

(Staten Island, NY – February 27, 2024) The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced today the completion of a $4.7 million infrastructure project in Westerleigh, Staten Island that upgraded water mains and sanitary sewers, added new storm sewers to combat flooding in the area as well as improvements to roads and sidewalks. The project, which was finished on time and $1 million under budget, was managed by DDC for DEP and DOT.

“This specific project was initiated by residents reporting chronic flooding conditions to 311, and an investigation by our engineers found that there was an opportunity to add dedicated storm sewers to the area which would create additional drainage capacity and relieve flooding conditions,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “We are planning to invest more than $800 million for drainage upgrades on Staten Island over the next decade and when our partners at DDC complete these projects under budget, that means there’s more funding for additional work!”   

“Improving critical pedestrian infrastructure upgrades on one of Staten Island’s busiest commercial corridors has long been a top priority for DOT and we are pleased to have collaborated with our sister agencies to bring this project to fruition,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “This project, in addition to advancing water main work, delivered upgraded pedestrian ramps, new sidewalks, and crosswalk markings along Forest Avenue which will enhance accessibility and public safety for the community, and we thank local residents and stakeholders for their advocacy.”

“This project, which was completed on time and $1 million under budget, will help curb major flooding issues that have affected this area, including water ponding in crosswalks,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “Improved street conditions make it safer for pedestrians and motorists alike, while upgrades to the area’s water mains and sanitary sewers mean homeowners and businesses will have long-term reliable service. We are delighted to complete this project successfully for the people of Westerleigh.”

The project, which started construction in December 2021, was created to alleviate the flooding issues on North Avenue, between Livermore Avenue and Neal Dow Avenue, which is adjacent to Northerleigh Park, as well as on Forest Avenue between Livermore Avenue and Marianne Street. Over 1,300 feet of new storm sewers of up to three feet in diameter were installed to help carry out excess rainwater from the area. Over 3,600 feet of cast iron distribution water mains and a total of 1,032 feet of 10-inch sanitary sewers were upgraded to increase capacity. To improve street drainage, 10 new catch basins were installed and eight were upgraded. The project also included the upgrade of 13 fire hydrants.

To improve pedestrian safety, over 1,600 feet of curb, and a total of 16 corner pedestrian ramps were upgraded, and three new ramps were added, making them all ADA compliant. Additionally, about half a mile of sidewalk was restored in the vicinity next to a shopping area. Nearly 10,000 square feet of asphalt road pavement were restored, with new high-visibility pedestrian crosswalk markings for safety.

“These infrastructure and sewer improvements will address flooding and enhance the quality of life for Westerleigh residents and businesses,” said New York State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Andrew Lanza. “I would like to thank DEP Commissioner Aggarwala, DOT Commissioner Rodriguez, DDC Commissioner Foley and the numerous workers for their dedication and hard work to bring these projects to fruition and under budget.”

“Westerleigh deserves state of the art drainage and stormwater management,” said Councilmember David Carr. “For too long residents dealt with flooding in their homes and neighborhood during a storm, but today we can proudly say that is no longer a reality. I would like to thank to Department of Design and Construction, Department of Environmental Protection, and Department of Transportation for their coordinated efforts to bring relief to Westerleigh.”

About the NYC Department of Transportation
The New York City Department of Transportation’s (NYC DOT) mission is to provide for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in the City of New York and to maintain and enhance the transportation infrastructure crucial to the economic vitality and quality of life of our primary customers, City residents. NYC DOT’s staff manage an annual operating budget of $1.4 billion and a ten-year $33 billion capital program, along with 6,300 miles of streets and highways, over 12,000 miles of sidewalk, and approximately 800 bridges and tunnels, including the iconic East River bridges. NYC DOT’s staff also installs and maintains nearly one million street signs, 13,250 signalized intersections, over 315,000 street lights, and over 350 million linear feet of markings.

About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection
DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $31.3 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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 $28 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.