 Borough President Vito Fossella was on hand as Mayor Eric Adams announced the completion of the $110 million New Creek Bluebelt Expansion to prevent flooding on Staten Island. The announcement was made on the 11th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, which tragically claimed the lives of 24 Staten Islanders.
The New Creek Bluebelt Expansion consists of three connected projects in parts of Midland Beach, Grant City, Dongan Hills, and Todt Hill. Stormwater that falls on roadways, rooftops, and sidewalks in those areas will now drain into new catch basins and storm sewers and will be discharged into the New Creek Bluebelt. From there, it will slowly make its way into lower New York Bay while being naturally filtered along the way. Borough President Fossella described the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in the neighborhoods surrounding the project as “hell on earth” and said the drainage project was completed at almost half the cost of installing new sewers. “We not only lost life, but the property damage that occurred was just unbelievable,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference. “And here we are, in a restoration of sorts that is a win-win not just for the people who live here, but for all people across Staten Island." He recalled intense flooding in South Beach where he grew up. “I know what it was like when the rains came and the floods came, and it was not pretty,” said Borough President Fossella. “To know that we are making significant progress to allow these homeowners and residents peace of mind when the storms come that they don't have to run to the basement to bail themselves is great.” Comments are closed.
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