In a proactive move to address climate change, New York City is exploring the possibility of buying out homes in flood-prone areas of Queens. The Resilient Acquisitions Program managed by the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) is currently assessing interest from homeowners in Hollis and the Kissena Park area of Flushing.
The initiative targets neighborhoods where traditional flood mitigation measures are insufficient. These areas, historically built on former waterways, have experienced severe flooding during heavy rainstorms, particularly in May and July of this year. The program aims to evaluate the feasibility of buyouts and develop strategies for funding such projects.
Gauging Interest and Feasibility
The MOCEJ is actively engaging with homeowners and community members to understand their interest in voluntary buyouts. Pia Fouilloux, a spokesperson for the office, stated, “We are listening to homeowners and community members about their interest in voluntary buyouts and evaluating potential pathways forward.”
This outreach effort follows the devastating impact of Hurricane Ida in, which resulted in multiple drowning deaths in basement apartments in both Hollis and Flushing. The program is also considering buyouts in the Jewel Streets area known as the Hole due to its location below sea level and lack of connection to the city’s sewer system.
Community Response and Early Signs of Interest
Some Queens officials and residents have welcomed the possibility of buyouts. Councilmember Sandra Ung, a proponent of the initiative, emphasized the importance of starting these conversations, acknowledging that the process could take a long time. “I don’t think the current situation is going to get better,” she said. “So I think it’s important to start having these conversations, recognizing that it could take, realistically, a very long time for this to happen.”
Leona Chin, a Flushing resident and founder of the park stewardship group Kissena Synergy, has been instrumental in spreading awareness about the buyout program. Initially met with skepticism, the idea has gained traction among residents who have endured repeated flooding. Amit Shivprasad, a Hollis resident and community board member, has been advocating for buyouts, highlighting the financial and emotional toll of repeated floods on homeowners.
Managed Retreat and Climate Adaptation
The concept of buying up homes in flood-prone areas is part of a climate adaptation strategy known as managed retreat. This approach involves moving people, buildings, and infrastructure out of harm’s way to mitigate the risks associated with climate change. The city and state have previously used buyouts and property acquisitions in coastal Queens and on Staten Island following Superstorm Sandy in.
In Hollis and Kissena Park, the city is exploring the use of acquired properties for parks, natural areas, or stormwater storage systems. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to address the challenges posed by stormwater flooding in urban areas built on historic waterways. The city is also planning to build a cloudburst hub and create a bluebelt in Kissena Park to better manage stormwater.
Sam Wu, a resident of Kissena Park, expressed his uncertainty about the buyout process but acknowledged the potential impact on his family’s decision to move. “Should we move out east first, or should we hold off and hope the city pays us out?” he wondered. “What if I wait five, six years and there’s still nothing happening?”
The Resilient Acquisitions Program represents a significant step in New York City’s efforts to adapt to climate change and protect its residents from the increasing risks of flooding. As the city continues to engage with homeowners and community members, the program holds the potential to reshape flood-prone neighborhoods and enhance their resilience to future climate impacts.
