Officials say a new $33 million drainage system will protect the Island Park community from flooding.
When major storms are forecast for Long Island, homeowners in Island Park say they always feel anxious.
Stephen Langdon says flooding is always a concern. “Every time there’s a storm, everyone is at tremendous risk and tremendous loss,” he says.
As residents brace for incoming storms during the peak of the hurricane season, they may soon get relief.
The village has received $33 million from Federal Emergency Management Agency to build a new drainage system in the village, aimed to protect the community from significant flooding.
Stephen Langdon is planning to move out of Island Park, but he says he’s glad the work is going to be done for his neighbors after facing several flooding issues in the past.
“Hopefully for my neighbors I’m leaving behind, they’ll get the drainage situation done because it’s not something to live with,” he says.
Island Park Village Mayor Michael McGinty says he felt overjoyed to receive the funding and that it was very much needed.
"I was excited about it. I remain excited about it,” says the mayor. “Nor’east winds drive the water into the village, and the village is shaped like a saucer.”
During Superstorm Sandy, 1,100 homes in Island Park were damaged by flooding. Only 44 homes were spared. Roads often flood in the village, making them nearly impassable.
“There have been times when we’ve had a fire engine down here and DPW trucks down here to help with kids get into school,” McGinty says.
Island Park resident Jennifer Peterson says it took her years to recover from Superstorm Sandy.
“We had 2 feet in our house… our house wasn’t risen at all though,” she says.
She and other residents like her say they hope the improvements will also wash away their stress.
Construction is set to begin this month for the new drainage system, and News 12 is told road closures will be in effect.