On September 20, 2024, Green Fund Initiative had the opportunity to participate in a pivotal Community Feedback Session hosted by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP). The event, held at P.S. 106 in the Bronx, aimed to discuss the upcoming Cloudburst Project, set to be implemented in the Morris Park and Parkchester neighborhoods.
The Cloudburst Project focuses on mitigating the effects of sudden, heavy rainfalls, or “cloudbursts,” which can overwhelm New York City’s sewer systems and lead to severe flooding. Through a combination of grey infrastructure—like sewer pipes and underground storage tanks—and green infrastructure—such as rain gardens and porous pavements, the project seeks to store and slowly release stormwater, reducing the risk of floods while enhancing community spaces.
At the session, community members, stakeholders, and Green Fund Initiative representatives shared valuable insights on how these flood mitigation strategies can align with the environmental and sustainability goals of local neighborhoods. NYC DEP also provided a detailed overview of the project’s potential to not only protect communities from flooding but also improve public spaces and sewer system capacity.
The Green Fund Initiative is proud to be involved in this important conversation and looks forward to working with NYC DEP and local residents to ensure the success of the Cloudburst Project.
For more information on NYC DEP’s Cloudburst Project, visit Cloudburst Project.