NY - Marking 11 Years Since Superstorm Sandy, Mayor Adams Celebrates Completion of $110 Million New Creek Bluebelt Expansion to Prevent Flooding on Staten Island
Mid-Island’s New Creek Bluebelt Will Reduce Stormwater Flooding and Fortify Surrounding Communities Against Extreme Weather Due to Climate Change
Watch the video here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvNYa3-icSo
NEW YORK – Marking 11 years since the week Superstorm Sandy — which killed 44 New Yorkers and caused $19 billion in damages and lost economic opportunity to the city — made landfall in the five boroughs, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the completion of a $110 million project to protect the Mid-Island section of Staten Island from flooding, and fortify surrounding communities against climate change-driven extreme weather events by significantly expanding the New Creek Bluebelt. Bluebelts — ecologically rich and cost-effective drainage systems that naturally handle the runoff precipitation that falls on streets and sidewalks — provide both critical support to Staten Island’s drainage infrastructure and beautiful open green space for residents, while creating diverse habitats for wildlife. The New Creek Bluebelt now covers 94 acres and drains a 2,249-acre watershed area.
This portion of the New Creek Bluebelt expansion consists of three connected projects, with construction done in separate phases. With all three phases now complete, stormwater that falls on roadways, rooftops, and sidewalks in portions of the Midland Beach, Grant City, Dongan Hills, and Todt Hill neighborhoods of Staten Island will now drain into new catch basins and storm sewers and be discharged into the New Creek Bluebelt. From there, it will slowly make its way to thelower New York Bay while being naturally filtered along the way.
“Eleven years after Superstorm Sandy stole 44 of our neighbors, family members, and loved ones, the need for major investments in flooding infrastructure has only grown as climate change continues to create stronger storms and extreme weather events. Too often, our concrete jungle gives rain no place to go, leaving communities to manage devastating flooding without the necessary infrastructure. But with this $110 million expansion of the New Creek Bluebelt, Staten Island is more prepared than ever,” said Mayor Adams. “These bluebelts are a key part of our broad strategy to protect New York City from flooding. The days of Staten Island being the ‘forgotten borough’ are over. We will not allow any borough in our city to experience another Superstorm Sandy without being prepared.”
“Today we celebrate how New Yorkers can have it all, a bluebelt that creates open space, greenery, wildlife and critical absorption to protect Staten Islanders against more frequent, heavier and more unpredictable storms,” said Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi, “Bluebelts are one of many ways the Adams administration maximizes every square foot, turning it into green infrastructure to protect New Yorkers against flooding. We will continue to be creative and opportunistic to build a more resilient city.”
“Bluebelts are a key strategy for managing stormwater throughout the city, making New York more resilient to changing climate. These innovative drainage systems reengineer existing wetlands to protect communities from inland flooding, while also providing beautiful open spaces for residents and wildlife,” said New York City Chief Climate Officer and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “As we seek natural solutions to fortify neighborhoods against extreme weather, we need look no further than to the successful development and implementation of the bluebelt program right here on Staten Island.”
“DOT is proud to collaborate with our sister agencies to fight climate change with more resilient, fortified infrastructure. As part of our contribution, DOT worked with our sister agencies to rebuild sidewalks along Hylan Boulevard with upgraded, accessible curbs and curb extensions at intersections to expand pedestrian space and make the corridor safer for all road users,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We thank Mayor Adams and the administration for their close partnership.”
“It’s very gratifying after I was the Resident Engineer on the City’s first Bluebelt project 25 years ago to see how the Bluebelt system has expanded, is highly effective and is beloved by local residents,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley. “Bluebelts are an efficient and environmentally sensitive way to manage stormwater while preserving open space and beautifying communities. Congratulations to the DDC team that completed the New Creek Bluebelt. DDC is also building thousands of pieces of green infrastructure around the City and we look forward to expanding our stormwater management efforts in coordination with the City’s larger flood mitigation strategy.”
“Our wetlands and stream corridors are vital ecological systems that support dragonflies, amphibians, fish, majestic waterbirds, birds of prey, and diverse plant species. As these bluebelt projects demonstrate, our aquatic systems also play a pivotal role in absorbing and managing stormwater and providing critical open space for communities,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We are excited to continue to work with our agency partners to ensure the multiple benefits of these ecosystems are preserved and well managed for New Yorkers.”
“Bluebelts use existing and newly constructed natural resources — streams, ponds, and wetlands — to capture and convey stormwater runoff,” said Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice Executive Director Elijah Hutchinson. “They help manage neighborhood flooding, offer critical open space benefits and increase native plantings. The New Creek Bluebelt will be a resilient, restorative destination for Staten Island residents and other New Yorkers alike, and a rich natural environment for social connection and community-building.”
