The New York City Housing Authority recently broke ground on its $41 million restoration project for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-funded redevelopment of Coney Island Sites 4/5, located between Mermaid Avenue and Surf Avenue, between West 28th and 25th Streets. Housing officials announced the news on Wednesday, per the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
"Thanks to FEMA’s unprecedented investment in the future of public housing, NYCHA is getting to work—major work—fully restoring our developments impacted by Sandy," stated NYCHA CEO Shola Olatoye in a public statement. In addition to the funding provided by FEMA, the recovery project will also be aided through Mayor de Blasio’s OneNYC program that has allocated $20 billion for extensive coastal protection across the city.
The costly resiliency and recovery work at Coney Island Sites 4/5, where there are more than 1,000 residents, will add backup generators, roof replacements, new electrical systems, security systems, new security doors, upgraded recreational areas and playgrounds, and boilers that will be elevated above projected sea level that can withstand severe weather. "These much-needed upgrades and repairs will have a monumental impact on the safety, security, resiliency, and quality of life for residents here," stated Council Member Mark Treyer.
Work is scheduled to begin on several housing developments in Coney Island soon.