The City of New Rochelle has received a FEMA Region II Grant of $1,736,141 for drainage improvements in Halcyon Park, an area plagued by chronic flooding especially during moderate and heavy rain storms.

The Drainage Improvement Project grant will replace the current outdated and convoluted storm drain system in the area of Brookdale and Lorenz. Enhancements include a new culvert, increased pipe capacities, and new manholes and catch basins. Existing water and gas mains will be relocated and sanitary sewer pipes will be relocated and replaced. New concrete curbs and sidewalks will be installed. The City’s required match of 25% ($578,723), a mix of funds and in-kind services, is expected to be approved by City Council later this month. The grant, totaling $2.3 million, is administered by the New York State Office of Emergency Management.

“These improvements will provide much-needed relief from persistent flooding to more than 200 families,” said Mayor Noam Bramson. “We are grateful to FEMA for their investment, which allows us to replace aging and inadequate infrastructure at substantial savings to the City.”

"Almost 6 years ago to the day, Halcyon Park was under water. Many of our neighbors had to be evacuated due to flooding and sewage back-up,” recalled Halcyon Park Neighborhood Association President Nick Williams. “Since then, with every heavy downpour, we have lived in fear of recurring flooding and sewage back-up. Now, thanks to the efforts of our Mayor, Council, City Administration and my fellow Hazard Mitigation Committee members, we can anticipate a day when these long-needed and expensive upgrades to our ancient infrastructure will safeguard our principal investment: our homes."

“I am gratified that the Halcyon Park neighborhood, which has suffered from years of flooding, is now the beneficiary of this grant from FEMA, and this problem will be addressed,” said District 5 Councilmember Barry Fertel.

“This FEMA grant will address flooding in this area, one of the issues identified in our City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan,” said District 3 Councilmember Jared Rice. “This will ease the concerns of severe and repetitive loss to properties here in Halcyon Park.”