July 29, 2022

This is the first project in New York City to transform a large roadway median into a green infrastructure “sponge” that will absorb stormwater; A map, renderings and “before” photos are available on DEP’s Flickr Page

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that construction has begun to transform three roadway medians in Arverne into lush, green infrastructure to better manage stormwater and reduce chronic neighborhood flooding. The new green infrastructure roadway medians will feature large-scale bioretention areas, subsurface stormwater storage and pedestrian ramp improvements along Beach 67^th Street between Almeda and Thursby Avenues. The new medians will be capable of absorbing a significant volume of stormwater and the project is estimated to cost $1.2 million.

“As our climate continues to change and we see rainstorms intensifying across the five boroughs, we must remain dedicated to looking for any and all locations to build green infrastructure,” said Mayor Adams. “Turning this crumbling median into a beautiful, natural sponge will improve both public safety and quality of life for our neighbors in Arverne, Queens. My administration already has the largest, most aggressive green infrastructure program in the country, and New Yorkers can expect to see a lot more of these nature-based solutions in the coming months.”

“Transforming these medians into working green infrastructure elements will reduce any standing water after storms along Beach 67^th Street while also augmenting drainage capacity throughout the neighborhood,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “In just the last several years we have constructed more than 11,000 green infrastructure assets that absorb stormwater and beautify neighborhoods and we will continue to aggressively expand this critical work that is making our city more resilient to the changing climate.”

“As the epicenter of extreme weather events like Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Ida, Queens knows just how critical resiliency and sustainability efforts are to the well-being of our families. We must leave no stone unturned when it comes to upgrading our green and grey infrastructure, and this median transformation project in Arverne represents another step forward in our fight against climate change,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “From flood reduction to neighborhood beautification and beyond, Arverne will be well-served by this project and I look forward to its quick completion.”

“I am all for making our community a greener and more beautiful place. I myself have embarked on a 100k tree-planting project,” said Senator James Sanders Jr. “These medians will be both aesthetically pleasing while serving a very important purpose, which is to help mitigate the flooding that has plagued the surrounding areas.”

“I am thrilled that the first project in New York City to transform such large roadway medians into green infrastructure is piloted in the Arverne portion of the 31^st Assembly District. I feel confident that these modifications will be received well by my constituents who have seen the unfortunate result of climate change with rising sea levels and flash flooding,” said Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson. “I would like to thank DEP for heeding this community’s concerns after joining myself and the Offices of Councilwoman Brooks Powers and State Senator James Sanders in touring this part of my District in April of 2021. I look forward to continued partnership and collaboration across agencies and elected officials.”

“With the instillation of green infrastructure assets along Beach 67^th Street, our community has another tool in its arsenal to fight against chronic neighborhood flooding and stormwater runoff, said NYC Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “Beautification projects like this one enhance my District’s environmental resiliency and encourage residents to utilize outdoor open spaces. Thank you to Commissioner Aggarwala and DEP for implementing a resilient and ornamental roadway median that creates a lush green oasis for residents of the 31^st Council District.”

Work will include the reconstruction of the three current medians and the construction of the Green Infrastructure elements, such as bioretention and detention structures. The landscape work will include the addition of native plants, shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennial wildflowers, which will also help absorb stormwater and enhance the aesthetic value of the surrounding area. To ensure that stormwater will drain towards the medians, the project includes the reconstruction of the sidewalks and curbs and resurfacing of the roadways. Openings along the curb of the new medians will allow the stormwater to drain into the bioretention and subsurface detention systems.

Additional large concrete medians in Queens, including >Queens Village, are slated to be transformed into resilient green infrastructure medians, with additional sites in the planning and design stages. Over the last several years DEP’s nation-leading green infrastructure program has constructed more than 11,000 green infrastructure installations including curbside rain gardens, green roofs, subsurface detention, permeable pavers, concrete and asphalt, and now green medians have been added to the City’s stormwater management toolbox. All of these green installations intercept stormwater before it can drain into the sewer system, thereby creating additional capacity to help reduce flooding and sewer overflows into local waterways.

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 8.8 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. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on >Twitter.