Discover the hidden underground infrastructure in New York City that helps prevent flooding.
Street Wars is a weekly series that delves into the ongoing battle for space on the streets and sidewalks of New York City. In a recent episode, city officials gathered in Borough Park, Brooklyn, to witness a demonstration of permeable pavement. This innovative material allows water to seep through the surface, preventing pooling and reducing flooding on the streets.
Permeable pavement is becoming increasingly common in New York City, with the Department of Design and Construction installing approximately four miles of the porous material in the last fiscal year alone. Despite its unique properties, permeable pavement closely resembles traditional asphalt, making it difficult to distinguish at a glance.
The implementation of permeable pavement is a proactive measure to address the city’s susceptibility to flooding, a problem exacerbated by the effects of climate change. To gain further insights into the issue, I consulted Bernice Rosenzweig, an environmental science professor at Sarah Lawrence College and a contributor to a recent report on flooding in New York City.
Rosenzweig highlighted the urgent need for sustainable solutions to combat flooding in flood-prone neighborhoods across the city. The installation of permeable pavement is a promising step towards mitigating the impact of climate change on urban infrastructure.
As New York City grapples with the challenges of a changing climate, innovative solutions like permeable pavement are essential to creating a more resilient and sustainable urban environment. By incorporating these technologies into street design and construction, the city can better prepare for future weather events and protect its residents from the damaging effects of flooding.
Source: The NY Times
