Mayor Adams unveils $390m investment to tackle flooding, revamp infrastructure in Bushwick

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In a significant step toward addressing chronic flooding and bolstering climate resilience, Mayor Eric Adams announced a $390 million investment to upgrade infrastructure in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

The funding, part of the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” plan, will target critical improvements to sewer systems, water mains, and stormwater management, while ensuring safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists.

The project, which begins with Knickerbocker Avenue, will replace nearly three miles of outdated sewers, expanding the local sewer capacity by over 850 percent in some areas. This upgrade will reduce the risk of flooding across approximately 2,300 acres of Bushwick. Additionally, the initiative includes replacing nearly a mile of aging water mains and eliminating lead service lines in privately owned properties at no cost to homeowners, saving local businesses and residents thousands of dollars.

“With climate change on the rise, it’s more important than ever to protect our streets, homes, and businesses from extreme flooding,” said Mayor Adams. “This nearly $400-million investment as part of our ‘City of Yes’ proposal will help do exactly that, bringing long-overdue relief to Knickerbocker Avenue, saving New Yorkers thousands of dollars, and fortifying our city for the decades ahead.”

The project also represents the largest investment in Bushwick’s stormwater infrastructure in decades, directly addressing flooding issues that have plagued the neighborhood since the 1960s. According to DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala, this initiative will “dramatically improve drainage, saving local businesses and homeowners thousands of dollars and ensuring a safer, healthier Bushwick.”

The $390 million investment is a part of the broader “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” plan, which was passed into law by the New York City Council in December 2024. This plan, aimed at fostering affordable housing and improving infrastructure, will invest $5 billion across the city, including funding for housing projects and stormwater management.

“This historic investment will mitigate decades of intense flooding on Knickerbocker Avenue, improving safety and quality of life for Bushwick residents,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We are working closely with DEP and DDC to deliver Vision Zero upgrades to make the roadway safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.”

The project comes at a critical time as extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Bushwick, with its outdated sewer system dating back to the early 1900s, has long struggled with flooding, particularly on Knickerbocker Avenue, which is lower than the surrounding streets. A recent analysis revealed that the current 7.5-foot-diameter sewer system is insufficient for moderate rainstorms. The new infrastructure, including 10-feet by 9-feet box sewers, will increase the system’s capacity from 226 million gallons per day to 1.9 billion gallons per day in select areas.

In addition to the drainage improvements, the city has already made strides in enhancing stormwater management in Bushwick, including the installation of green infrastructure such as rain gardens and flood sensors. The $1.2 billion investment made during the Adams administration has already helped improve drainage capacity and reduce flooding across various neighborhoods.

As part of this comprehensive initiative, construction is expected to begin in 2029, with ongoing coordination between city agencies to ensure that the project’s implementation is efficient and cost-effective. “DDC is an integral part of the city’s climate resiliency programs,” said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. “We look forward to this project being completed, and for the residents of Bushwick to have better streets and more peace of mind.”

This investment underscores the city’s commitment to addressing climate change challenges while fostering a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable New York City for generations to come.