NYC Mayor Adams Unveils $146M Jewel Streets Improvement Plan for East New York

Addressing Decades of Neglect in Jewel Streets

• 💡 A resident shares a personal story of living in inhumane conditions in Jewel Streets for 19 years, citing issues like rising water, septic tank leaks, mold, rat infestation, and her son's chronic asthma.
• 🎯 The community, despite facing devastating outcomes after purchasing homes, has shown resilience and unity in advocating for change.
• 🤝 Gratitude is expressed towards the East New York CLT Coalition, Mayor's office, and various agencies for their bipartisan efforts in making this transformation possible.

Mayor Adams' Commitment to Overlooked Communities

• 🚀 Mayor Adams recalls visiting the area years ago and witnessing persistent flooding, noting that Jewel Street was often ignored as the community grew.
• 🗺️ He emphasizes that initiatives are not ceremonial but are grounded in understanding and addressing the needs of long-ignored communities across all five boroughs.
• 💎 The streets named after jewels (Ruby, Emerald, Amber, Sapphire) are complemented by the addition of the residents as the fifth jewel, highlighting their struggle for a quality of life.

Comprehensive Infrastructure and Quality of Life Improvements

• 💧 The plan addresses the long-standing water problem, reducing drainage time from 60 days to 2 days and tackling issues like mosquitoes and rodents.
• 🚗 Measures are being taken against illegal dumping of stolen and abandoned vehicles, improving the neighborhood's aesthetic and safety.
• 🛠️ A two-year engagement process with residents and stakeholders has led to a forward-thinking plan with short-term solutions and long-term initiatives.

Transforming Jewel Streets into a Thriving Neighborhood

• 🏗️ The plan includes building new sewers, pump stations, restoring Spring Creek Park, and creating blue belt drainage systems to manage storm water and protect against climate change effects.
• 🚶‍♀️ Safer streets along Linden Boulevard, improved bus service, new sidewalks, road drainage, and street trees will create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
• 💰 A total commitment of $146 million is allocated for safer streets and infrastructure improvements in the neighborhood.

Housing Development and Future Vision

• 🏘️ The administration plans to create 5,000 new homes through rezoning initiatives and transforming 17 acres of city-owned land.
• 📈 The goal is to make the city more affordable, safe, and livable, with East New York being a legacy project for working-class families.
• 🌟 The plan aims to bring Jewel Streets into the 21st century, ensuring a brighter, cleaner, and safer future.

Addressing Resident Concerns and Future Outlook

• 🤝 The Deputy Mayor highlights the collaborative process involving multiple city agencies and community engagement sessions.
• 💰 A fair buyout option is available for residents who choose to leave, though encouragement is given to stay and invest in the community's future growth.
• 📈 Property values are expected to increase with the new developments, similar to other revitalized neighborhoods.
• 🌊 Infrastructure is being designed for future storms, with increased capacity to handle heavy rainfall and prevent future flooding, ensuring a resilient neighborhood.