First Major Flood Mitigation Projects Kicks Off In New Rochelle

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Places in the city that never had flood problems before, have been inundated with water during powerful weather events in recent years. City officials say a new public works campaign will offer relief.

The City of New Rochelle announced on Monday the launch of the first flood mitigation project as part of the city's $10 million investment into aging stormwater infrastructure.

The city says that the first capital improvement project, located at Harmon Dr. and Storer Ave., will mark New Rochelle's long-term efforts to address flooding issues and promote climate resiliency. The project, which is expected to be completed in the fall, will bring design and construction upgrades throughout the area's stormwater piping in order to reduce flooding impacts.

Several additional projects are also planned for the next two years.

As flooding incidents have become more frequent due to increased precipitation and aging stormwater infrastructure systems, New Rochelle says that it is "fortifying its preparedness strategies amidst challenges posed by climate change."

In 2022, the city started a comprehensive citywide hydrological and hydraulic study across its six watersheds, in order to identify drainage problem areas and potential drainage improvement projects.

In September 2023, the analysis was completed and 170 mitigation projects were identified at a total estimated construction value of over $350 million dollars.

"New Rochelle’s comprehensive ten-year flood mitigation plan reinforces our dedication to sustainability and community well-being," Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert said. "With $10 million allocated this year, our City is at the forefront of proactive urban planning. This strategic investment in stormwater systems and drainage not only safeguards against flooding but also promotes a future where smart growth aligns with environmental responsibility and economic vitality."

New Rochelle's multi-faceted approach includes:

• Citywide 10-year capital mitigation plan, starting with the project located at Harmon Dr. and Storer Ave.
• The Department of Public Works (DPW) has expanded its stormwater and sanitary sewer maintenance capabilities with additional staff/equipment for catch basin cleaning, aiming to shift from reactive to proactive stormwater management, by boosting the frequency of cleaning and increasing preventive maintenance efforts in flood-prone zones.
• The DPW developed a resource document that will offer guidance and best management practices for homeowners about infrastructure improvements such as cisterns, wells, permeable pavers and rain gardens.
• The DPW will develop, design and implement smaller flood mitigation projects to address specific problem areas that may have not been captured in the citywide study, such as drainage piping and reconstructing catch basins.
• New Rochelle is exploring ways to give tax relief for properties that have seen a history of flooding.

"The launch of today’s flood mitigation project underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing our infrastructure Citywide, significantly improving resident quality of life," Acting City Manager/Public Works Commissioner Wilfredo Melendez said. "With an integrated approach including maintenance, management, and mitigation we are not just addressing flooding concerns but also paving the way for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship."

Upcoming meetings, presentations from past meetings and more information on New Rochelle’s 2024 flood mitigation capital projects can be found here .