$70-million plan to improve drainage conditions in Springfield Gardens

Image source: NYDN

Have you ever had your basement flood? Most people are not a fan. The NY Daily News reports that the city is set to begin a $70-million plan to improve drainage in Springfield Gardens (GMAP). Flooding during heavy rainstorms is a particular nuisance and finding a solution is an important concern in the neighborhood and other parts of southeastern Queens.

In the words of local City Councilman James Sanders Jr., “Our area sits in a flood plane and according to the [city] Office of Emergency Management, we are in one of the worst flooding areas in New York City. This plan is desperately needed.” Sanders has been a loud voice in getting these improvements in place, as he lobbied to fund this project. He hopes it will give his constituents a break when the rains arrive.

The plan will include dredging nearby Springfield Lake starting this fall. The project – part of a larger, $130-million plan to improve the Springfield Gardens infrastructure with new wetlands and trees – is expected to be completed by 2014. Just hold on to your basement pump a little longer.

City to begin $70 million plan to alleviate flooding in Springfield Gardens [NYDN]