On May 28, council members from Flushing and government officials gathered in the Whitestone neighborhood of Queens to celebrate the completion of two underground drainage projects. These projects will significantly enhance the drainage capabilities in the local area as well as in the Flushing region. Additionally, Councilmember Vickie Paladino of the 19th district allocated funds to the city government to purchase high-definition underground cameras, making the underground inspections by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) more effective.
Previously, Whitestone and other parts of Flushing have been vulnerable areas plagued by flooding disasters. Due to the lack of flood prevention infrastructure, even minor heavy rains could inundate neighborhoods, causing damage to residents’ basements, underground garages, or low-lying roads, let alone the destructive forces of major storms like Hurricane Sandy or Hurricane Ida three years ago.
With the efforts of local council members and officials, New York City invested $128 million in Whitestone to add 6 miles of drainage underground pipelines and replaced 9 miles of aging pipes along with 2 miles of sewage drains. The new drainage pipeline can prevent 29 million gallons of wastewater from entering Flushing Bay every year. These two key infrastructures cover a total of 120 blocks and were completed eight months ahead of schedule.
According to officials from the Department of Environmental Protection, drainage pipes are usually laid 8 to 10 feet below the road surface, with the main access point being the manhole covers on the road. To inspect or conduct maintenance work, workers need to open the manhole covers and insert rod-style cameras into the manholes to observe or capture the conditions of the drainage pipes.
Councilmember Paladino’s allocation for the purchase of high-definition underground cameras by the city government has facilitated the work of DEP personnel.
“I am pleased to see the completion of this project that benefits the residents of Whitestone and the Flushing district,” Paladino said. “Constructing large-scale infrastructure projects has never been easy, but the ultimate results will prove the value of the project, and I am optimistic about the improvement in the quality of life for the future community members.”
Flushing City Council Member Minnie Huang also participated in the celebration ceremony and expressed, “This project will have a significant impact on North Queens and the future environment. Apart from mitigating flooding issues, the infrastructure also enhances everyone’s safety.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., along with officials from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation, also attended the celebration of the completion of these projects.