Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul Announce $8.4 Million to Transform Concrete Medians into Flood Prevention Infrastructure in Queens

 

New green spaces in Whitestone, Forest Hills and Queens Village will capture a combined five million gallons of stormwater each year

 

Projects will help alleviate strain on sewer system and improve water quality of local waterways

Green median project in Whitestone.  

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia today announced an $8.4 million investment in flood resiliency infrastructure, transforming concrete roadway medians in Whitestone, Forest Hills and Queens Village to green infrastructure “sponges” that will absorb stormwater and prevent extreme weather flooding. In total, the newly engineered spaces in Queens are expected to capture an estimated five million gallons of stormwater each year, alleviating strain on the sewer system and improving the water quality of local waterways including the East River, Flushing Bay and Jamaica Bay.

“Climate change is bringing more intense and unpredictable bursts of rain, and without action, those storms will continue to overwhelm New York City’s sewer system,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This $8.4 million green median project meets that challenge with infrastructure that works for our environment and our neighborhoods. By planting native species and wildflowers above an underground stormwater storage network, we will capture five million gallons of stormwater each year, easing pressure on our sewer system and keeping New Yorkers safe. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and our state partners for investing in resilient infrastructure that protects New Yorkers while making our city greener and more beautiful.”

“With flash floods becoming more the norm due to extreme weather tied to our changing climate, it’s imperative we do all we can to protect our communities,” said Governor Hochul. “Here in New York, we are implementing innovative solutions to strengthen our infrastructure and better protect our communities. Working with Mayor Mamdani and the City of New York, these critical green infrastructure projects will help make Whitestone, Forest Hills and Queens Village more resilient and safe.”

The projects are funded in part by New York State grants totaling $5 million from the Green Innovation Grant Program administered by the Environmental Facilities Corp. and the Water Quality Improvement Project overseen by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

“Climate change is reshaping our world, and we need to reshape the infrastructure of our city in return. By trading hard concrete for living landscapes, we are not just managing stormwater but reimagining what our streets can be,” said DEP Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “These expansive medians will become vibrant green corridors that soak up millions of gallons of stormwater each year. This is how we transform everyday spaces into innovative flooding solutions that both protect communities and beautify neighborhoods.”

“DEC is proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani and our city and state partners on strategies to help reduce flooding and enhance communities in Queens,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul’s record state investments in green infrastructure and other water quality improvements, DEC is able to help support initiatives led by the City and municipalities statewide with resources they need to implement important stormwater management projects like these new green corridors that will greatly benefit Queens Village, Whitestone and Forest Hills.”

“Governor Hochul is investing in solutions that are as practical as they are innovative. The $5 million in grants for these Queens projects will transform concrete medians into green ‘sponges’ capable of soaking up millions of gallons of stormwater, reducing flood risk and protecting New Yorkers,” said New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman. “By supporting projects that work with nature to manage severe weather, the State is helping New York City build resilience while minimizing costs for ratepayers.”

Work will remove the old concrete medians and curbs and clear overgrown or dead trees, weeds and accumulated debris. To ensure water flows into the medians, new inlet openings will be built to divert water off the streets and directly into the planted areas. Construction includes installing specially engineered soils and underground storage systems designed to absorb stormwater.

The landscaping will transform these spaces into green corridors, planted with native species, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. Together, these improvements will cool and beautify the streetscape while providing stronger flood protection for surrounding neighborhoods. The projects also deliver landscape upgrades that enhance neighborhood aesthetic, while improving pedestrian safety with ADA‑compliant ramps and detectable warning surfaces. 

Whitestone: Francis Lewis Boulevard, between 20th Avenue and 21st Road

The medians along Francis Lewis Boulevard, now nearing completion, stretch 1,105 feet and capture runoff from a 1.17‑acre drainage area. They will manage 1.11 million gallons of stormwater each year, reducing combined sewer overflows (CSO) into the East River.

Forest Hills: Union Turnpike, between Metropolitan Avenue and 71st Road

Set to be planted this fall, the Union Turnpike medians extend 3,245 feet and draw from a 2.56‑acre drainage area. They are designed to handle 2.43 million gallons of stormwater annually, easing pressure on the system and preventing CSO into Flushing Bay.

Queens Village: Springfield Boulevard, between Lucas Street and Merrick Boulevard

Construction on Springfield Boulevard’s medians, expected to begin later this year, will add 1,182 feet of green infrastructure tied to a 1.51‑acre drainage area. These improvements will manage 1.44 million gallons of stormwater each year and help limit CSO into Jamaica Bay.

All work has been closely coordinated with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and NYC Parks.

“Concrete medians help improve safety by making it easier for pedestrians to cross the street and by better organizing traffic — but they can also play an important role in protecting our city from the dangers of extreme weather and flooding,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “As New York City sees more and more intense rainstorms due to climate change, now more than ever it’s crucial to improve and rethink our infrastructure to protect New Yorkers against growing environmental threats.”

“As we deal with the effects of climate change, New York City must take creative measures to bolster our infrastructure against flooding from severe storms. These medians will prevent millions of gallons of stormwater from entering our sewer system, while also making it safer for New Yorkers to cross streets and beautifying our neighborhoods with native plantings,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “We were proud to partner on this project that will serve to make our city greener and more resilient.”