On behalf of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has proposed a comprehensive infrastructure improvement initiative under Capital Project SEQ200490, known as the 95th Street-Shellbank Basin Infrastructure Improvements Project. This project is located within Queens Community District 10, specifically in the Old Howard Beach neighborhood, and aims to address drainage issues across an approximately 15.21-acre area. Shellbank Basin bounds the project area to the west, 160th Avenue to the north, 162nd Avenue to the south, and 97th Street to the east.
The proposed improvements include the installation of new stormwater collection sewers designed to capture and redirect stormwater runoff to a newly constructed outfall at Shellbank Basin. This upgrade significantly mitigated street and property flooding in the area. As part of the project, we installed a new 60-inch by 38-inch outfall west of 95th Street and 162nd Avenue adjacent to an existing 12-inch stormwater outfall, later removed. The new outfall has a tide gate at the pipe outlet and a 15-foot-wide by 10-foot-long splash pad to manage water flow and prevent backflow during high tides. A small portion of private property along the shoreline, located within the mapped street right-of-way, will need to be acquired to facilitate the outfall installation.
In addition to stormwater management improvements, the project includes rehabilitating select sanitary sewer sections through re-lining and replacing water mains where necessary to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the area’s utility systems. Upon completion of the infrastructure upgrades, all affected streets within the project area will be fully restored and repaved to their original or improved condition. Furthermore, the project incorporates a tidal wetland restoration plan to enhance the ecological health and resilience of the shoreline area. This initiative represents a critical investment in the community’s infrastructure, addressing immediate flooding concerns and long-term sustainability goals. By improving stormwater management, upgrading sanitary and water systems, and restoring the natural environment, the project aims to enhance the quality of life for residents, protect property, and promote environmental stewardship in the Old Howard Beach neighborhood.
Client
New York Department of Design and Construction
Location
Queens, NY
Services
Resident Engineer Inspection
Project Status
Completed
Construction Cost
$10 Million
