NEW ROCHELLE, NY –Work is underway for drainage improvements in Halcyon Park- an area plagued by chronic flooding especially during moderate and heavy rain – thanks to a combination of state and federal funding, including a FEMA Region II Grant of $1.7 million. State and local officials held a media event on Friday, September 18 to detail the project.
The Halcyon Park Drainage Improvement Project replaces the current outdated and convoluted storm drain system stretching along Brookdale from Hamilton to Lorenz. Enhancements include a new culvert, increased pipe capacities, and new manholes and catch basins. Existing water and gas mains have relocated and sanitary sewer pipes are being relocated and replaced. The $2.7 million project is on schedule and is expected to be completed in early 2016. The grant is administered by the New York State Office of Emergency Management.
“This important project will protect dozens of homeowners from chronic flooding and will address one of the most serious safety hazards in our entire community,” said Mayor Noam Bramson. “I am grateful for the strong support of our entire legislative team and for the constructive involvement of so many Halcyon Park residents.”
New York State Senator George Latimer and Assemblyman Steve Otis were instrumental in securing the state’s portion of grant monies for the Halcyon Park project.
“The state needs to be a partner to the city in these improvements,” said Senator Latimer. “City taxpayers cannot be expected to foot the bill without state assistance.”
“I am pleased that Halcyon Park residents will finally be getting the relief they need from chronic flooding problems,” said Assemblyman Otis. “Taxpayers throughout New Rochelle benefit from the state and federal assistance that helped to fund this critically needed flood mitigation project. I have made a priority of supporting this type of intergovernmental cooperation to move vital drainage and infrastructure projects forward on more affordable basis.”
City Council Members representing the district and their constituents applauded the project.
“I am gratified that the Halcyon Park neighborhood, which has suffered from years of flooding, is the beneficiary of FEMA and other grant funding, and this problem is being addressed,” said District 5 Councilmember Barry Fertel.
“This project will address flooding in this area, one of the issues identified in our City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan,” said District 3 Councilmember Jared Rice. “This will ease the concerns of severe and repetitive loss to properties here in Halcyon Park.”
“Eight years ago, Halcyon Park was under water. Many of our neighbors had to be evacuated due to flooding and sewage back-up,” recalled Halcyon Park Neighborhood Association President Nick Williams. “Since then, with every heavy downpour, we have lived in fear of recurring flooding and sewage back-up. Now, thanks to the efforts of everyone here, we will see the day when these long-needed and expensive upgrades to our ancient infrastructure will safeguard our principal investment: our homes.”