April 25, 2023

(Staten Island, NY – April 25, 2023) The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) today announced the completion of a $4.17 million capital project that replaced water mains and sewers and rebuilt streets and sidewalks over nine blocks in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, near Ocean Breeze Park. The project, which started construction in September 2021, was completed on budget and six months ahead of its original anticipated completion date of late-June 2023.

“The new roadways, sidewalks, water mains and sewers that have been built in this Dongan Hills neighborhood will directly improve the quality of life for the residents living there,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala.  And, because our partners at DDC completed the construction of the new sewers and catch basins six months ahead of schedule, the neighborhood’s drainage system has been fortified prior to the start of summer when heavy rainfall is most common.”

“We are thrilled to partner with our sister agencies to bring these critical upgrades to Dongan Hills,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “The brand new roadway and pedestrian ramps will enhance safety and mobility for all users and the infrastructure improvements will help protect against flooding and strengthen our resiliency in this vibrant community as we battle climate change in New York City.”

“Most DDC projects are completed on time or faster and this one was six months ahead of schedule, which saves the City money and reduces the effects of construction on local residents and businesses,” said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. “I’d like to congratulate the DDC team for managing this project so effectively, and for saving New Yorkers significant time and money on this important project.”

“I want to thank the DDC, DEP, and DOT for their speedy completion of this crucial infrastructure upgrade for the Dongan Hills community. Neighborhoods like this that have experienced constant flooding, need these improvements to provide relief during severe storms,” said Borough President Vito Fossella.

"I would like to thank the DEP, DOT and DDC for their work on fixing longstanding issues in the Dongan Hills area,” said Councilmember David Carr. “This project replaced rundown roads and sidewalks, 10 fire hydrants, over 2,500 feet of old water mains and almost 600 feet of sanitary sewers, and also added over 1,000 feet of new storm sewers and 12 catch basins. Their coordination and effective planning led to both the completion of this project six months ahead of time as well as on budget. We hope to see this project used as a model for how other city projects should be handled.”

“As we saw with Hurricanes Sandy or Ida, Staten Islanders have repeatedly found themselves in unfortunate situations when our city experiences heavy rainfall,” Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis said. “It’s not often that we hear that a government project is completed on budget and ahead of schedule so I thank the Administration for its commitment to the residents of Dongan Hills and I look forward to seeing the completion of other critical sewer and infrastructure projects in the near future.”

The project, which is centered around Hurlbert Street from Evergreen Avenue to Ruth Place, replaced 2,691 feet of old 8-inch water mains with new more-durable ductile iron pipes. More than 1,000 feet of new storm sewers were also installed at Hulbert and Xenia streets to help relieve street flooding, along with 12 new catch basins to direct stormwater to the sewers.

An additional 587 feet of 10-inch diameter sanitary sewers were replaced with new ones, and 10 old fire hydrants were replaced to improve the area’s fire response capability.

About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection
DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.8 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15.5 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.