When it rains, water runs off roofs, sidewalks, and streets. This is called stormwater. A cloudburst is a heavy rainstorm that happens very fast and can cause flooding. This project will build systems in Breukelen Houses to help manage rainwater. These systems will help collect, hold, and drain water so it doesn’t flood buildings, utilities, playgrounds, or walkways.

This Project will benefit everyone living and working in Breukelen Houses. It will keep buildings and grounds safer and drier during heavy rain events. Residents of Breukelen Houses and the Property Management team can share their ideas and input by completing the short survey and joining project meetings and events project meetings and events.

The project is being funded through a grant from the New York City Extreme Weather Task Force.

The project will include features that help collect and manage stormwater in the open spaces of the development, such as specially designed planting areas, modified basketball courts that can hold water during heavy storms, and raised walkways to help guide water away from buildings. Select walkways and outdoor lighting might also be restored or replaced during the project. If any playgrounds or outdoor spaces are affected during construction, they will be restored, redesigned, or replaced, with input from residents and the Property Management team.

During heavy rains, the improvements made through this project will divert water away from your building through pipes or new landscape features. Excess rainwater might be stored in areas like special planters or sunken basketball courts and will slowly drain out further underground after a major storm. Then, the outdoor amenities will be available and safe for resident use again.

The project is currently in the design phase, and we are actively collecting input from residents and property management to inform our work. Design is expected to be completed by July 2026, followed by approximately one year of construction procurement. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2027 and will last about one year, with final project completion anticipated by August 2028.

No, this project is focused on upgrading the outdoor spaces of the development. If you are experiencing issues inside your apartment or building, please inform NYCHA by calling the Customer Contact Center (718-707-7771) or using MyNYCHA (nyc.gov/MyNYCHA).

Yes. By improving drainage and reducing standing water, the project will help minimize conditions that attract mosquitoes and other pests.

Access to buildings may be modified during construction for a short amount of time. Some outdoor amenities such as playgrounds, basketball courts, select parking spots, and parts of other open space may be temporarily inaccessible during construction. Per NYCHA’s standard practice during construction, NYCHA will post signs and provide traffic control during construction.

Contractors will be required to safely manage water and secure construction areas and equipment to prevent flooding or any other inconvenience to residents and the Property Management team.

Construction phasing is still to be determined.

NYCHA will be responsible for maintenance of the stormwater and cloudburst management features.

Updates will be posted regularly on this website. Announcements and community meetings will be scheduled throughout the project, and you can also speak with your resident association board members and/or the development’s Property Management team for more information.