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May 23, 2016
A Staten Island Family Returns to Their Newly Elevated Home
The New York City Department of Design and Construction completed its first home elevation project in Staten Island. This achievement is part of Build it Back, New York City's federally funded program that rebuilds, repairs, and elevates homes affected by Hurricane Sandy. To celebrate, a ceremony was held at the home on Staten Island, where DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora and Amy Peterson, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery, presented the keys to homeowner Michele Thornton-Mannix and her family.
To date, Build it Back has delivered a check or started construction on 74% of homes, starting 2,876 construction projects and completing 1,906. The partnership between DDC and Build it Back is the result of Mayor de Blasio’s overhaul of the program in 2014. By working with DDC, Build it Back was able to quadruple its design and construction capacity to help homeowners in Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. The initiative is a part of the broader OneNYC plan to create a stronger, more resilient New York City.
Ms. Thornton-Mannix, who moved back home with her 13-year-old son and her 2-year-old daughter, is the principal for District 75, P141K School (Brooklyn) for students with severe disabilities. “It’s unbelievable to be back in the house,” said Thornton-Mannix, a lifelong Staten Islander whose family history in the area stretches back a full century. “Once DDC got involved things really took off. The process was very clear, went smoothly and didn’t take very long at all. Initially I didn’t know how to feel, but now that we’re home it’s a pleasure.”
“DDC is proud to work with the Mayor’s Housing Recovery Office to build New Yorkers resilient homes in flood prone areas,” said DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora. “Superstorm Sandy was devastating to many communities and the DDC’s part in the ‘Build-It-Back’ initiative is to strengthen those neighborhoods through sustainable and smart home rehabilitations. We will be completing many more of these projects between now and the end of the year.”
April 29, 2016
Ribbon Cutting
A New Arena for Therapeutic Horseriding in Staten Island
With the new Ocean Breeze Riding Arena, Helping Others Overcome Personal Handicaps (HOOPH)—a therapeutic riding program that supports New Yorkers with disabilities—can now provide its services year-round. DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora was joined by Staten Island Borough President James Oddo, Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitchell Silver, and other members of the community to celebrate the opening of the Ocean Breeze Riding Arena. The 9,600-square-foot facility offers a 5,800-square-foot riding arena, stables, areas for feeding and grooming, as well as offices, a lobby, and observation room for visitors. Situated on Father Capodanno Boulevard on Staten Island, next door to Ocean Breeze Indoor Athletic Facility, the building’s strategic location assists in the cultivation of a healthy lifestyle for all New Yorkers.
The pre-engineered metal building is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and provides accessible parking for vans. It will serve as the headquarters of Helping Others Overcome Personal Handicaps. Therapeutic horseback riding has been found to be helpful in providing cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being for individuals with special needs—by providing stimuli from seeing, smelling, touching, and hearing, while assisting in the development of muscles necessary for walking. Horseback has been proven to improve posture, balance, joint movement, muscle control and morale.
The building was designed in conjunction with the Department of Parks and Recreation to minimize damage to the wetlands section of Ocean Breeze Park and meet new FEMA elevation standards. The design ensures that future floods will not negatively impact the building. Ocean Breeze Park currently spans more than 110 acres and was originally part of a vast tidal meadow through which a network of tidal creek channels passed through.
March 22, 2016
Groundbreaking
Expanding the Broadway Community with a New Space for MCC Theater
One of off-Broadway’s leading theater companies will soon call a large midtown space home. DDC Associate Commissioner Christine Flaherty and staff joined Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl to break ground on the construction of MCC Theater, the third of three cultural institutions to fit-out open space on the first three floors of Avalon Bay’s north tower on 52nd Street and 10th Avenue.
“MCC has been a major player in the New York theater industry for 30 years and they deserve to work under one roof,” said Lucy Wong, deputy director for DDC’s Cultural Unit. “They have been actively engaged in the design process and are excited to move forward with the construction phase.”
The $9 million project will allow the company to consolidate their full programming and administrative operations into one building. With a focus on sustainable materials and active design features, DDC and Andrew Berman Architects will overhaul the tower’s existing 25,000-square-foot concrete space into MCC’s new headquarters, designed to include a 243-seat proscenium theater and 99-seat black box theater. The ground level will also feature a full-service lobby with a bar, a pantry, ticketing kiosk, dressing rooms, and a green room. The mezzanine level will include MCC’s main offices, meeting rooms, rehearsal studios, a dimmer room, and a banquet area. MCC will also share the space with ART/New York and the 52nd Street Project.
The theater will also house two visual art pieces by Percent for Art artist, Francesco Simeti. The project is expected to be complete in 2018 with a goal of achieving LEED Silver certification.
MCC Theater was founded as the Manhattan Class Company in 1986 by a collective of young actors, writers, and directors. The company has developed into a full-scale production house with their latest show, ‘Hand to God’ moving to Broadway at the Booth Theater last year. “The theater district is expanding and it's MCC Theater that's helping bring this synergy," adds Wong.
February 3, 2016
Ribbon Cutting
An Iconic Step Street Reconnects Inwood Residents
In the northern-most tip of Manhattan, generations of Inwood residents have climbed up and down a set of steps that have come to be a landmark for the neighborhood. The 215th step street was originally built in 1915 to connect pedestrians flowing between Broadway and Park Terrace East. Now, exactly a hundred years later, the step street has been refurbished for another century and beyond.
Commissioner Peña-Mora join was joined by DOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Margaret Forgione to celebrate the renovation of an iconic fixture in Inwood. With local businesses, bus stops and subways nearby, the renovation of the stair step sees major improvements for pedestrians, furthering Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero initiative. Improvements include:
- More lampposts with better lighting
- New drainage systems that will catch storm water and help prevent flooding
- Increased safety with new handrails, guardrails and wider steps
- New accommodations for bicycles; a “bike channel” allows cyclists to roll their bikes up or down the stair-step as they walk alongside.
- Newly planted trees
- Quotes from the likes of Nelson Mandela, set in bronze along the steps.
Care was taken to make sure the new design maintained the historic character of the street. The original, dual staircase design was only futher enhanced, and historic lampposts cleaned and reinstalled. “The architecture keeps the original design with more modern touches,” said DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora.
February 1, 2016
Vision Zero to Bring Safer Streets to Queens
DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora joined DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, and other City officials to announced the area-wide reconstruction of Long Island City and Hunters Point, Queens, to build upon Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero initiative to end injuries and fatalities on city streets
On December 9th, 2015, Council Member Van Bramer’s office hosted a community workshop for Long Island City residents to discuss their ideas for safety improvements in area streets. The results of the workshop will inform the reconstruction project, which will improve safety for pedestrians, motorists, and bicyclists; improve connections throughout the neighborhood; improve infrastructure; facilitate and improve traffic operations in response to anticipated growth; enhance public open space and create a safer, more inviting streetscape; and address climate resiliency for a waterfront neighborhood that was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy.
“The New York City Department of Design and Construction is looking forward to developing safer streets for New Yorkers with our partner agencies DOT, DEP and our elected officials,” said DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora. “In keeping with Mayor de Blasio’s vision for a more equitable city, this project will enhance traffic safety for pedestrians and motorists in Long Island City. By designing the intersections with pedestrian safety in mind, we can strategically mitigate the occurrence of traffic crashes and continue to make New York City the best place to live and work.”
January 20, 2015
Ribbon Cutting
Fordham Plaza Redesign Brings Pedestrian Safety Upgrade to the Bronx
The Bronx had reason to celebrate today, as the OneNYC Plaza Equity Program continues to revitalize public space throughout each of New York City’s boroughs. DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora joined DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg to cut the ribbon on the redesign of Fordham Plaza, one of the busiest hubs in the Bronx. The plaza sits at the intersection of twelve bus lines, the fourth-busiest Metro North train station, and Fordham University’s Rose Hill Campus and Roosevelt Educational Campus.
The redesign supports Mayor de Blasio’s commitment to Vision Zero, an initiative the works to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries. Improvements include: shortened pedestrian crosswalks, new direct crossings to deter jaywalking, and a 25 percent expansion of pedestrian space. Other improvements include:
- Increased car traffic circulation
- A redesigned bus loop for improved passenger pick-up and drop-off
- Planted areas for shade with new seating areas
- Plaza lighting
- Automatic public restrooms
- Wayfinding signage
- Increased vendor space
- A new market canopy with kiosks and a new café
- New ticket machines
“The new Fordham Plaza will enhance the vibrancy and efficiency of the Bronx’s largest retail and shopping corridors, with improved transit and vehicular circulation, additional public space, comfortable seating, new kiosks and landscaping features, “said DDC Commissioner Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora. “With the feedback of our sister agency, DOT, and our stakeholders, we designed and built a safe plaza that meets the needs of the local community to enhance this borough for years to come.”
The NYC Plaza Program has 69 plazas citywide that are in planning, design, construction, or complete. Currently, 53 plazas are open to the public.
December 15, 2015
Ribbon Cutting
Commissioner Peña-Mora Joined by Mayor de Blasio to Celebrate the New York Police Academy
This landmark, seven-year project was brought to a close with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mayor de Blasio, NYPD Commissioner Bratton, and DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora. The new academy brings top-of-the-line facilities to a 30-acre plot of land in College Point Queens. Designed by Perkins + Will, the 730,000-square-foot academy will provide training for thousands of cadets that matriculate each year.
The project includes the Recruit Academic Building with classrooms, mock training environments, instructional offices, and administrative support spaces. The Tactical Training Building includes physical training facilities, gyms, a swimming pool, an indoor track and spaces for CPR instruction and baton training.
For DDC, the project has been a group effort in the greatest sense—nine different consultants and over 80 subcontractors helped along the way. On track to receive LEED Gold certification, the building boasts active design strategies such as wide, open stairwells that encourage movement, and will be one of the most sustainable law enforcement buildings in the world. Sustainable features include:
- An energy-efficient central utility plant
- High performance building envelope with solar shading
- Daylight harvesting
- Rainwater harvesting and reuse
- Bio-filtration of storm water runoff
- Rehabilitation of existing drainage ditch
- Healthy indoor air quality
- Green roofs
- Native and adaptive landscaping
- Energy efficient lighting
- Automated building controls
- Low VOC and recycled content materials
- Construction waste management and recycling
The NYPD officially moved into the building during the fall of 2014, with the first class of cadets starting in January of 2015. The second round of recruits began training last July, and will soon graduate as the most diverse class in NYPD history.
December 11, 2015
Ribbon Cutting
Sanitation Goes Sustainable with the Manhattan Districts 1, 2, and 5 Garage
A new face of sanitation now sits on Spring Street in Soho. DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora joined Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia and Project Principal Architect Paul Bauer of Dattner Architects today to celebrate the official opening of the new Manhattan 1, 2, and 5 Garage Building.
The 425,000-square-foot facility houses three district garages from which local Manhattan Community Board districts 1, 2, and 5 will receive garbage collection, street cleaning, and snow removal services. The structure accommodates over 150 Sanitation vehicles and includes facilities for DSNY personnel.
“This building represents what Mayor de Blasio believes is good for the whole city,” said Commissioner Peña-Mora. “One City built to last. This is a building that is emblematic of that statement.”
This LEED Gold-certified structure, designed by Dattner Architects, boasts sustainable features including a glazed curtain wall façade and 2,600 custom perforated metal fins that reduce solar heat gain and glare while filtering natural light into the space. A 1.5-acre green roof is home to 25 distinct drought-resistant plant species. Harvested rainwater collected from the roof is used as graywater in the building and for truck washing. The building also operates on municipal steam, meaning no fuels burn to heat the structure.
In addition to these energy-saving qualities, one stairwell is located next to the elevator banks on the southwest side of the building, showcasing views of the Hudson River and encouraging employees to take a more scenic and active route. “Manhattan 1 ,2, and 5 is a benchmark project for the City’s Active Design program which uses design to promote health and wellness of those who work here,” said Sanitation Commissioner Garcia.
The Spring Street Salt Shed, a 70-foot tall facility that sits next to the M125 Garage, stores 5,000 tons of rock salt that is distributed throughout the city’s roads during inclement winter weather. A light color roof paver was chosen for the building to help reduce the heat island effect. The shed’s solid, crystalline surface complements the scrim-like façade of the garage.
The Department of Sanitation operates 59 district garages and manages of fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks citywide. The Department clears litter, snow and ice from approximately 6,500 miles of City streets.
November 23, 2015
Groundbreaking
City Breaks Ground on Staten Island’s First Mid-Island Bluebelt
For decades, the award-winning Bluebelt program has been the natural solution to storm water management and flood reduction for one-third of Staten Island. Yesterday, DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora joined NYC Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Emily Lloyd and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer to break ground on the construction of the first mid-island Bluebelt in the Midland Beach neighborhood.
DDC and DEP will turn 400 acres of Staten Island’s midland region into Bluebelts that will provide drainage for a total of 19 watersheds. The first phase of the project will build two wetlands in the South Richmond and mid-Island areas, and add a new, 32-foot wide west branch of New Creek that will convey the stormwater to the main channel of New Creek and the New York Harbor.
The Bluebelt program is a large scale system of best management practices (BMPs) and part of DDC’s commitment to building sustainable strategies that prevent erosion, pollution, and dangerous flooding. Later phases of the project will include the installation of catch basins and storm sewers under neighborhood streets to collect and direct water to the Bluebelts. The green infrastructure will also provide a natural open landscape, promoting public health in the surrounding communities and serving as a habitat for diverse wildlife. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2017.
November 23, 2015
Ribbon Cutting
A New Town Square for Washington Heights with Plaza de Las Americas
La Plaza de Las Americas has created a town square for the Washington Heights community, transforming 175th Street between Broadway and Wadsworth into a 14,000 square-foot pedestrian space. DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora was joined by DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, along with the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Senator Adriano Espaillat, and many other members of the community, to celebrate this centerpiece of local cultural and economic life. The plaza was designed to enhance the market, providing vendors with access to electrical power and water for the first time since they started assembling in 1994. Now, the vendors and community will have multiple amenities, including pedestrian lighting and benches, trees, decorative paving, a storage/utility column, an automatic public toilet, and an fountain created through the Percent for Art program by artist Ester Partegás, celebrating the plurality and richness of cultures that make up La Plaza.
La Plaza was awarded in 2008, during the first round of the NYC Plaza Program, thanks to the hard work of the Washington Heights and Inwood Development Corporation (WHIDC), who applied with the vision to solidify the space that has long been used as a community marketplace, despite the fact that it was only an asphalt street without public amenities.
Together, DOT, DDC and NYCDCLA worked closely with the community, conducting interviews, and public sessions to ensure the new plaza design met their needs. Now, the space can accommodate community events during the day and evening, ranging from art shows to performances, as well as craft fairs along with the regular marketplace.
“DDC is proud to have partnered with the New York City Department of Transportation, our elected officials and community stakeholders for the ribbon-cutting of Plaza de Las Americas, noted Commissioner Peña-Mora. “The reconstruction of this new plaza will offer a unique opportunity for the community to enjoy a safe, high-quality open space while providing upgrades to infrastructure facilities. DDC is committed to Mayor de Blasio’s vision for a healthy and sustainable city and to building well-designed, safe environments that enhance our communities and contribute to the City’s growth.”
November 11, 2015
Ribbon Cutting
Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex Brings Healthy Living to Staten Island
November 10, 2015
Groundbreaking
Historic Richmond Town Receives a Modern Upgrade
A trip back in time is no further than Staten Island, where a cluster of late 17th century homes makes up the living history village of Historic Richmond Town. Established in 1958, Historic Richmond Town is a joint project of the Staten Island Historical Society and the City of New York that preserves the rich, diverse history of the region. The 50 acres of land holds more than 30 historic buildings, 10 of which are listed as landmarks. The best way to ensure the future of these structures is through modern upgrades.
DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora was joined by Staten Island Borough President James Oddo and members of the community to break ground on a project that will repair and improve infrastructure throughout the museum grounds. The project includes new street lighting, repaved roads, and new water mains. These upgrades will allow the grounds to switch from septic to sewer, which will help serve larger groups of visitors.
The village will remain open during construction so that visitors will continue to have access to the institution’s building, artifacts, and special programs. As an institution founded to celebrate ordinary people of every background who work together to build an extraordinary country, Historic Richmond Town is an exciting project that we’re proud to undertake.
November 5, 2015
Discovering the Buried History of Washington Square Park
While upgrading century-old infrastructure in Washington Square Park, our construction crews received a huge surprise. Excavation of the area revealed a burial vault that most likely dates to the 19th century. Just a few days later, a second vault was discovered, containing coffins and nameplates. “DDC has stopped work at the specific location, which is on Washington Square Park East, near the intersection of Waverly Place to permit further evaluation by archeologists and anthropologists,” stated DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora. “Working together with the Landmarks Preservation Commission, DDC will evaluate the extent and significance of the vault and its contents. We are redesigning the work to accommodate findings of importance.”
Our construction crews will continue to excavate south of the burial vaults. For now, the vaults are protected and access will be restricted until further information is developed. Archeologists and anthropologists will be on site, along with the Landmarks Preservation Commission to continue exploration.
See also:
- Second Old Burial Vault Found Beneath Washington Square Park (ABC7)
- 19th Century Bones Found Buried in Vault Alongside Washington Square Park (CBS New York)
- Burial Vault Found Beneath Washington Square Park (DNAinfo)
- Burial Vault, Bones Discovered Beneath Grenwhich Village Street (Newsday)
- Workers Discover 19th Century Burial Vault Under New York City Park (Fox News)
Groundbreaking
A New Family Justice Center for Staten Island
- Civil legal representation for immigration and Family Court matters
- Prosecution of domestic violence crimes
- Safety planning and risk assessment
- Assistance with emergency shelter and housing
- Assistance with filing police reports
- Public benefits
- On-site childcare
- Counseling for victims and child witnesses
- Support groups
- Financial literacy
- Job and vocational training
October 1, 2015
Ribbon Cutting
Brand New Pathways for Queens Botanical Garden
Mayor De Blasio has made a healthy and sustainable city his priority, and the Department of Design and Construction is committed to making this vision a reality by overseeing the creation and upgrade of facilities that provide this experience to every community across the five boroughs. The Queens Botanical Garden has been an essential community resource over the last 50 years—providing an urban oasis where culture, health, and nature intersect for celebration. On Thursday, Commissioner Peña-Mora, along with QBG Executive Director Susan Lacerte and several other civic and community leaders, celebrated the completion of the Pathways Repaving Project that will enhance the experience and health of visitors and the gardens alike.
The original pathways were installed in preparation for the 1964 New York World’s Fair and have since seen 10,000,000 pairs of feet exploring the grounds. DDC has focused on the reconstruction of principal areas connecting the “Gardens on Parade” section—making all major walkways both ADA-compliant and friendly to all visitors. To ensure the health of the gardens, upgrades include a new automated irrigation system, providing a reliable water supply to the entirety of the gardens. Keeping with the sustainable mission of QBG, DDC built a sustainable shed made of recycled materials to house the upgraded wells and pumps, as well as a concrete stepped ramp that will provide easy access from College Point Boulevard to Flushing Meadow Park while housing a dry well that keeps all stormwater on site. Lastly, all existing trees and landscaping adjacent to the construction zones were pruned and fertilized.
QBG is a testament to the importance of sustainable practices, not only for the environment but also for the creation of beautiful community spaces that invite people across all cultures to explore, learn and experience healthy living.
September 25, 2015
Ribbon Cutting
A Revamped Rochdale Village Library Open Its Doors
As the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, Queens attracts people from all over the world. As it population grows, the borough requires greater attention to local resources and services tailored to a wide range of people. On Friday, councilmembers, community leaders, and DDC staff gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Rochdale Village Library to celebrate the expansion of the Adult Learning Center. Several students of the Learning Center, who originally came from all over the world, were also on hand to discuss how much the facility means to them. The students learned English at the Adult Learning Center in just a matter of months!
The Prendergast-Laurel Architects-designed renovation of the Rochdale Village Library adds 1,700 square feet to the existing building. As one of seven Adult Learning Centers in the Queens Library system, the expanded Adult Learning Center will serve hundreds of patrons looking to increase their English skills, learn to read, and prepare for GED classes. The renovation includes expanded classroom space, more computer and listening stations, and communal space.
No matter the size or location of a building, sustainability counts—Rochdale Village Library is no exception. The renovation also includes a roof garden and a tree-planted courtyard to help mitigate rainwater and prevent flooding.
"We are proud to have partnered with the Queens Library, our local elected officials and community stakeholders for the ribbon-cutting of the Rochdale Village Library's Adult Learning Center. In continuing Mayor Bill de Blasio's vision for a healthy, sustainable city for all New Yorkers, we are committed to providing well-designed, safe and healthy educational environments to contribute to the community and most importantly the city's growth," said DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora.
- Check out more photos on our Flickr Page.
September 19, 2015
Ribbon Cutting: Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor
With the completion of the $24.4 million renovation of Building A at Snug Harbor, we’re proud to announce that the Staten Island Museum has a new home. This exciting news was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 19th, where children and families participated in lawn games, live music, arts and crafts. DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora was on hand to speak to the crowd, along with our STEAM Initiatives team, who offered educational games for kids.
A nationally significant history site, Snug Harbor was saved from demolition in 1965 by the Museum. Through DDC’s Design and Construction Excellence program, Gluckman Tang Architects provided a design for the 18,000 square-foot space that upgraded the existing building, while remaining respectful to its history and not disturbing the exterior. With sustainability in mind, the architects included a closed-loop geothermal system, which minimizes the need for fossil fuels. The Museum will be the first historic landmark building on Staten Island to earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the US Green Building Council.
Building A at Snug Harbor was originally built as one of several building that comprised a charitable institution. After falling into disrepair in the mid-20th century, we are proud to contribute to the new life of this building, which will serve as the nexus of the Museum’s activities. Culture and entertainment is in good hands in Staten Island.
September 18, 2015
Ribbon Cutting: Ravenswood Universal Pre-Kindergarten
When Mayor de Blasio made Universal Pre-K (UPK) one of his top priorities, the Department of Design and Construction committed to overseeing the creation and upgrade of classrooms across all five boroughs. One such space is the Ravenswood Universal Pre-K. Operated out of a branch of the Queens Public Library in the ground floor of the Ravenswood Houses, the space brings a much-needed educational space to the heart of Queens. Over a three-month period, the Department of Design and Construction renovated the 3,200 square-foot space, ensuring modifications were made to bring two new UPK classrooms up to compliance and modern standards.
The renovation included to new classrooms, ADA and children’s bathrooms, staff and pantry area, a janitor’s space, and a greeting area. To ensure a safe learning environment, a fire alarm system was installed, along with new heating and ventilation systems, plumbing and lighting. DDC designed the two classrooms with children in mind—bright colors, such as yellow and orange, cover the walls, and colorful padding was wrapped around interior columns to prevent injury. The final touches of the space include cubbies, desks, and computers.
DDC is proud and excited to contribute to the well-being and educational opportunity of 39 students each and every year.
- Related: New Pre-K Program Opens at Ravenswood Library in Queens (DNAinfo)
August 17, 2015
Groundbreaking: Belle Harbor
Commissioner Peña-Mora was joined by Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, along with the Mayor's Office of Recovery and Resiliency to break ground on the FEMA-funded rehabilitation project in Belle Harbor that will fix the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. Newly refurbished sidewalks, curbs, roadways, sewers and water mains will soon restore the coastline that is such a huge part of this Rockaway neighborhood’s unique identity.
This event marked another step towards rebuilding and strengthening New York City’s most vulnerable communities. DDC will continue to provide support where it is most needed, as we push forward in our work with Build It Back and the Eastside Coastal Resiliency project.
“We are proud to have partnered with DOT, our Local Elected Officials and Community Stakeholders for the groundbreaking of the Belle Harbor reconstruction project. DDC is committed to Mayor de Blasio's vision for a healthy and sustainable city and to building resilient projects that will protect New York City against extreme weather conditions,” noted Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Design and Construction. “Although Hurricane Sandy damaged many areas in Belle Harbor, the reconstruction of the roadways, sidewalks, sewers and water mains are a testament to our vision of enhancing our communities and contributing to the City’s growth.”