Residents of Red Hook will be experiencing some major city construction, as the city on Tuesday launched a $218 million flooding prevention program to mitigate risk from future flooding and sea level rise.
The Red Hook Coastal Resiliency project includes the installation of a series of floodwalls, floodgates, street redesigns and other infrastructure enhancements to build a continuous line of long-term resiliency features, creating a two-mile integrated coastal defense system stretching across Atlantic Basin and Beard Street, two of the neighborhood’s most flood-prone areas.
"Keeping people safe includes protecting New Yorkers from the destructive effects of climate change and extreme weather," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. "The work we begin here today is more than just protective infrastructure, it’s how we are investing in safer, more resilient neighborhoods for generations to come.”
Currently, Red Hook’s lowest point is about four-feet above sea level. The project will create a continuous flood protection system that will boost the area’s protection to 10-feet above sea level.
Nearly 1.5 miles of floodwalls, reaching up to five-feet in height, along with eight flip-up gates and two roller gates, will be constructed. Some streets within the project area will be raised by up to three feet to support both passive and deployable flood protection measures.
Roadways, curbs and sidewalks will also be reconstructed throughout the project to ensure seamless integration of the resiliency features with existing neighborhood infrastructure.
Public space improvements include a full reconstruction of Todd Triangle — transforming it into a more inviting, plaza-like space with seating and landscaping — and extending the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway by 1.2 miles with new bike lanes improving pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle circulation.
The IKEA waterfront park will also be upgraded to meet ADA standards, with improved pathways, additional seating and new plantings for increased accessibility and comfort.
Finally, there will be nearly 200 new tree plantings, as well as shrubs and flowers, to enhance greenery and natural water absorption throughout the neighborhood.
“The Red Hook Coastal Resiliency project will deliver meaningful protection against storm surge flooding caused by climate change,” said New York City Chief Climate Officer and New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala.
Work is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2028.
