Crews worked all week outside Vetro to replace a broken pipe in a catch basin that was overflowing and causing the area to flood. Patricia Adams/The Forum Newsgroup
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), continued work this week on Cross Bay Boulevard at 165th Avenue, after they uncovered a broken pipe underneath an already problematic catch basin.
“Business owners in Howard Beach have long been plagued with flooding and excessive water buildup,” said Councilman Eric Ulrich. “It is both a nuisance and a hazard and we are very glad the DEP is addressing the situation.”
Water at the location had been pooling up and flooding the immediate area after the slightest rainfall or inclement weather. Frank Russo, who owns the Howard Beach hot spot Vetro, says the conditions associated with the constant water build-up were very dangerous to motorists and pedestrians. “When the water ices up in the winter, anyone coming over the bridge is driving into an ice trap they don’t know about,” Russo warned. “It’s a very dangerous situation and I am very thankful to DEP for doing the work to remedy the situation before we have a tragedy.” And winter is not the only time the water brings worry; speeding cars that hit puddles they didn’t anticipate can quickly wind up out of control on the crowded boulevard.
Russo said that the DEP and other agencies involved had been evaluating the situation for some time and that he was relieved that their coordination had resulted in bringing about the work.
A spokesperson for DEP confirmed that the job was not at all routine and required extensive repairs underground. He said that the work should be completed by the end of the week. When asked if the repairs will result in eliminating the flooding totally, Ted Timbers said the work done would “help to alleviate the problem.”
By Samantha Geary
