The project will turn three medians in Queens into green infrastructure designed to absorb stormwater.
New York City will spend $8.4 million to turn three medians in Queens into green infrastructure “sponges” designed to reduce flooding, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Thursday. The city estimates that the medians will capture five million gallons of stormwater per year, reducing strain on sewer systems.
The city will first remove the existing medians, along with any debris, and install new inlet openings to bring stormwater from the streets into the medians. Landscapers will fill the medians with native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers, which will cool the streets along with providing flood protection, Aaron Ginsburg writes for 6sqft New York City.
“The project will also improve the appearance of the surrounding streets while adding pedestrian safety features, including ADA-compliant ramps and detectable warning surfaces,” 6sqft New York City reports.
Read the full story: Three Queens medians to become green ‘sponges’ to help curb flooding
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