Special Initiative for Rebuilding and Resiliency311Search all NYC.gov websites
South Queens
South Queens
South Queens Overview
South Queens encompasses 17 neighborhoods spanning Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, Broad Channel and the Rockaway Peninsula, and is home to approximately 130,000 people. The area is mostly residential with rich natural and recreational assets including the majestic waters of Jamaica Bay and miles of public beaches, which serve as a popular summer attraction for New Yorkers with over 7 million beach visitors every year. As a very brief overview of what happened during Sandy:
- During Sandy, intense wave action and flooding led to extensive destruction: hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed by flooding and fire damage
- Significant inundation occurred along the miles of unobstructed coastline facing the Atlantic, as well as through Rockaway Inlet into the neighborhoods facing Jamaica Bay
- Physical damage to housing and businesses in South Queens was severe and widespread, relative to other areas across New York City
- Key infrastructure was significantly impacted with disruption to critical services
- All neighborhoods experienced prolonged power losses
The Special Initiative for Rebuilding and Resiliency conducted ongoing briefings with elected officials, community boards, and community-based organizations in South Queens and held three public workshops in the area, designed to acquire feedback directly from the residents. You can read more about these public workshops by clicking on the links below:
Mid and West Rockaway Peninsula Public Workshop
Old and New Howard Beach / West Hamilton Beach / Broad Channel Public Workshop