Phase II of Broad Channel Infrastructure Project Receives “Envision Verified Award” from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure

DDC: Shoshana Khan, 718-391-1251, KhanSho@ddc.nyc.gov
ISI: Conrad McCallum, 202-991-1155, McCallum@SustainableInfrastructure.org

(Long Island City, NY – May 23, 2023) NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley announced today that Phase II of an infrastructure project in Broad Channel, Queens, which is raising streets and adding new storm sewers to reduce flooding in an area that is frequently inundated by Jamaica Bay during high tides and storms has been selected to receive an “Envision Verified Award” for sustainability from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI).

Phase II of work will provide upgrades to residents on West 14th Road, West 15th Road, West 16th Road and West 17th Road. Construction includes the installation of new bulkheads at the end of each street to address eave attenuation and flood mitigation; rising each street’s centerline; shared streets; signage and striping that that will enhance safety by providing pedestrians the right of way; and the addition of new storm sewers and replacement of sanitary sewers and water mains. The project, which began in summer 2020, is anticipated to be completed in summer 2024. 

“DDC is seeking a long-term sustainable solution to the flooding that Broad Channel residents have long dealt with the aftermath of rain events and even during high tides,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “It’s very gratifying for the DDC team when those efforts are recognized by a group such as the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.”

“We are pleased to announce an Envision Verified Award for the Broad Channel Phase II Project,” said Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Managing Director Melissa Peneycad. “This project represents a successful collaboration — a model for how to plan and design for reconstruction and resilience while proactively taking into account the interests of the local community.”

The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure developed and manages Envision, a framework that encourages systemic changes in the planning, design and delivery of sustainable and resilient infrastructure through education, training and third-party project verification. The Envision sustainable infrastructure framework assesses project sustainability across five categories: Quality of Life, Leadership, Resource Allocation, Natural World and Climate and Resilience. To earn an Envision Verified award, a project must achieve a range of sustainability and resilience outcomes. Broad Channel Phase II was cited by ISI for improving quality of life, stakeholder relations, teamwork and collaboration, evaluating climate resilience and enhanced infrastructure integration.

DDC’s East Side Coastal Resiliency project and Starlight Park projects have both previously received an Envision Gold Award.

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 $15.5 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.

About the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure
The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) is the organization that developed and manages Envision, a framework that encourages systemic changes in the planning, design, and delivery of sustainable, resilient, and equitable civil infrastructure through education, training, and third-party project verification. A nonprofit education and research organization based in Washington, DC, ISI was established in 2010 by the American Public Works Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Council of Engineering Companies. ISI then partnered with the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure at Harvard University to develop the Envision sustainable infrastructure framework and rating system. For more information, please visit sustainableinfrastructure.org.