NEW ROCHELLE, NY (October 09, 2025) — The City of New Rochelle is intensifying its fight against flooding with a multi-faceted approach, including the ongoing Pinebrook Boulevard flood mitigation project. A city contractor is installing a new catch basin near Briar Circle, upgrading existing catch basins, and replacing storm piping with new 24-inch outlet pipes to improve water flow into the existing channel, according to a recent city update.
This Pinebrook Boulevard effort is one of several smaller projects aimed at addressing stormwater trouble spots and upgrading aging infrastructure across the city. New Rochelle’s broader flood mitigation strategy, part of a 10-year plan launched in 2022, seeks to combat increasing flooding driven by climate-related rain events and deteriorating stormwater systems.
A citywide hydrological and hydraulic study, completed in September 2023, identified 170 mitigation projects with a combined construction value exceeding $350 million. These projects are categorized into surface improvements, system capacity enhancements, green infrastructure, and riverine improvements. The city has committed $10 million to upgrade its aging stormwater system, with construction on multiple projects starting in spring 2024.
Among the key initiatives is the Harmon Drive and Storer Avenue stormwater upgrades, which began in July 2024 and are set to conclude this fall. Public Works Commissioner Wilfredo Melendez described the project as underscoring “our unwavering commitment to enhancing our infrastructure citywide, significantly improving resident quality of life.”
Other ongoing and planned projects include Quaker Ridge Road stormwater improvements and broader initiatives under the 23-018 stormwater enhancements. The ambitious LINC (Lincoln Avenue Neighborhood Connectivity) Project, highlighted in the 2025 State of the City address, transforms Memorial Highway into a public space while incorporating stormwater mitigation to bolster climate resilience. Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert called it “one of the most ambitious, people-centered projects our city has ever undertaken,” emphasizing its role in unlocking economic growth.
The Department of Public Works is also developing smaller, localized projects, such as extending drainage piping and reconstructing catch basins. The city has secured $13 million in grant funding to support sustainability efforts, guided by an updated Climate Vulnerability Assessment addressing flooding risks. Additionally, New Rochelle is exploring tax relief for properties with a history of flooding.
Residents can access updates and resources, including watershed maps, through the city’s stormwater mitigation website. Over a dozen additional projects are slated for implementation within the next two years, signaling New Rochelle’s proactive stance on infrastructure and sustainability.
Mayor Ramos-Herbert underscored the plan’s significance, stating, “New Rochelle’s comprehensive ten-year flood mitigation plan reinforces our dedication to sustainability and community well-being.” The initiatives align with the city’s GreeNR Sustainability Plan, aiming to build resilience against future climate challenges.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.