NEW YORK – On January 29, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) learned that the New York City Mayor’s Office of Resiliency has sent a letter requesting the assistance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to begin scoping a study to study erosion and flooding issues at Hallets Point Queens. Rep. Maloney first requested that the Mayor seek USACE’s expertise in flood and erosion management after witnessing firsthand the damage to the promenade and sea wall railing at the invitation of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Astoria Houses residents.

The City’s letter will allow USACE to begin scoping a study to identify the causes and extent of flooding, erosions, and subsurface water infiltration issues at Hallets Point, so that a permanent solution can be implemented.

“Addressing Hallets Point coastal resiliency at Hallets Cove is critical to thousands of New Yorkers’ wellbeing. The poor structural integrity of the sea wall poses a dire threat to the area’s human and aquatic life. Additionally, it has resulted in large portions of the promenade being closed to the NYCHA Astoria Houses residents. The loss of this open, public space has been especially felt during the COVID-19 crisis.

“I look forward to continue working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mayor de Blasio, and local elected officials and community members to fully and permanently address the resiliency issues at Hallets Point.”

Congresswoman Maloney has been working in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers New York District in concert with Mayor de Blasio, State Senator Michael Gianaris, Assembly Member Cathy Nolan, Council Member Costa Constantinidis, Queens Community Board 1, and Astoria Houses Residents’ Association President Claudia Coger.