Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Commissioner Thomas Foley of theNYC Department of Design and
Construction DDC announced that the agency has received 8/20/24
Engineering Excellence Awards from the American Council of
Engineering Companies of New York, ACC New York for capital
projects in the Bronx, Brooklyn,and Queens.
The 57th Annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala will be
(00:23):
held at the Midtown Hilton on April 13th, 2024.
DDC makes communities better andsafer through innovative,
environmentally conscious projects that help every New
Yorker, said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley.
Many of the projects recognized are reducing flooding in our
neighborhoods, others bring safety improvements for drivers,
(00:44):
cyclists, and pedestrians, and others created new Parkland.
We thank ACC New York for recognizing these DDC projects
and are pleased to accept these awards and congratulations to
the DDC team. Beach 108th St.
Streetscape improvements. The DDC $16.6 million
(01:06):
infrastructure project that rebuilt Beach 108th St. in
Rockaway, Queens from Beach Channel Drive to Shorefront Pkwy
received the Gold award in the environmental category from ACC
New York. DDC managed the project for DEP
and dot. The reconstruction project
helped rebuild an area damaged by Superstorm Sandy by using
(01:26):
more than 11,000 square feet of new permeable concrete slabs,
allowing nearly 1.3 million gallons of stormwater to be
absorbed into the ground each year.
This natural stormwater drainageeases pressure on the sewer
system and reduces flooding in the area.
Approximately 1100 feet of existing storm sewers and 22
(01:48):
catch basins were repaired or replaced, and an additional 140
feet of new storm sewers plus three new catch basins were
added. More than 18,000 square yards of
asphalt were laid down to pave the area.
About 6000 feet of old water mains were also replaced and two
new fire hydrants were added. Starlight Park in the Bronx.
(02:10):
The DDC's $41 million Starlight Park project, which converted
2.7 acres of formerly paid industrial property into a vast
green space with Greenway connections in the Bronx,
received the Platinum Award in the Special Projects category.
The project, managed by DDC for NYC Parks, added new bridges
(02:31):
extending over train lines and the river and better entry
points into the park. The features helped connect
nearby neighborhoods that were previously cut off from one
another and created links to Starlight Parks, ball fields,
playgrounds, boat launch, and the Bronx River House, a
community educational facility and boathouse.
(02:51):
Significant stormwater management features were also
implemented, including 140 new trees and nearly 12,000 new
shrubs to support the restoration of the Bronx River
Shoreline, including wetlands that improve water quality in
the river to curb erosion. Additionally, new lighting was
installed, several new retainingwalls were constructed for 1000
(03:13):
feet of new pathway was created,and drainage and electrical
upgrades were made throughout various areas of the park.
A total of 50,000 tons of soil was removed and replaced to
promote ecological health. Pelham Parkway Phase Two also in
the Bronx, the $129 million project involving the 2nd and
(03:34):
final phase of the reconstruction of Pelham Parkway
received a Gold Award in the Water Resources category.
The transformation greatly enhances the busy Parkway that
sprawls across multiple Bronx neighborhoods, making it safer
for road users while also improving water absorption to
reduce flooding, Phase two included vast improvements to
the westbound Main Road and North Service Rd.
(03:56):
Between Stillwell Ave. and Boston Rd. including the
replacement of underground utilities, upgrading of drainage
structures, and the installationof new sewer trunk and
distribution water mains. Over 200 catch basins were
milled, paved and reconstructed,and over 300 new trees were
planted to enhance Pelham Parkway.
(04:17):
For road users, 240 streetlightswere added, as well as 70
traffic signals, specialized pavement markings and new
dedicated bus lane and installation of new guide rails.
The reconstruction also includedcobblestone, sloped wall and
steel fence along Pelham ParkwayNorth Service Rd.
Between Bronx Wood Ave. and Wallace Ave. the project was
(04:39):
managed by DDC for dot and DEP Storm and combined sewers in 220
9th St. SE Queens.
The DDC $75 million project thatinstalled storm, sanitary and
combined sewers in and around 220 9th St. in southeast Queens
received the Diamond Award in the Waste and stormwater
(05:00):
category. More than 14,600 feet of water
mains were installed, along with41 new fire hydrants.
More than 8000 feet of a new sanitary line was installed,
connecting 160 houses to the city sewer system for the first
time to alleviate flooding and ponding.
The project included the installation of over 6700 linear
(05:24):
feet of new storm sewers and nearly 100 catch basins.
The project, managed by DDC for DEP and dot also included a tide
gate chamber which controls the water flow from the tidewater
area and combined sewer system. Curbs, sidewalks and roads were
fully restored with ADA compatible pedestrian ramps,
(05:46):
installation of new trunk mains and distribution water mains
near 33rd Ave. in Queens, Also in Queens, DDC $79 million
project that included major water main and sewer upgrades
around 30 3rd Ave. in northeastern Queens received the
Platinum Award in the Special Projects category.
More than 9 miles of trunk main distribution water main and
(06:10):
combined sewers were installed in the 33rd Ave. area.
The project included the installation of 6450 linear feet
of a new 72 inch steel trunk water main and 8850 linear feet
of new 48 inch steel trunk watermain.
Several distribution water mainswere also replaced to increase
(06:31):
drainage capacity. 8250 linear feet of existing storm sanitary
and combined sewers were replaced.
More than 100 sewer manholes and150 catch basins were also
replaced. The project managed by DDC for
DEP included micro tunneling under the Clearview Expressway
(06:52):
and Eight Lane Highway. It also reconstructed 3.5 miles
of roadway in the area, including curbs, sidewalks and
pedestrian ramps. Reconstruction of Empire Blvd.
The $21 million reconstruction of Empire Blvd.
In Brooklyn received the Silver Award in the Special Projects
category. The project was managed by DDC
(07:16):
for dot and DEP. The redesign improved pedestrian
safety, particularly for the elderly population that uses the
busy corridor. The project included slip lane
closures, the implementation of wider sidewalks, curb extensions
and concrete neck downs to shorten pedestrian crossings.
(07:36):
Large, continuous pedestrian spaces around the intersection
of Empire Blvd. and Utica Ave. were also built.
Traffic Safety was enhanced withoperational changes such as
signal timing modification and lane reconfiguration.
The project also creates better connections between multiple
modes of public transportation. Reinforced concrete bus pads
(08:00):
were also added. The project included the
replacement of old cast iron water mains, improving water
distribution as well as a local combined sewer, replacement of
water mains and sewer upgrades along Cypress Ave.
The $40 million DDC project thatreplaced water mains and
implemented sewer upgrades in the Ridgewood section of Queens
(08:21):
received the Gold award in the waste and stormwater category.
The project managed for DEP replaced the area's almost 100
year old water and sewer lines. This included the installation
of nearly 4000 feet of a 60 inchtrunk main, 2346 feet of 48 inch
trunk main and additional trunk and distribution mains, upgrades
(08:45):
to local combined sewers including the construction of
four large underground chambers and the installation of 32 new
catch basins. The roads were restored with new
asphalt paving. Additionally, 37 fire hydrants
were installed and substantial utility upgrades by Con Edison,
Verizon, and Charter Communication were also
(09:05):
completed during the project. Queens Garage and Community
Space DD CS $81 million Queens Garage and Community Space, part
of the City's Borough Based Jails program, received the
Silver Award in the Special Projects category.
The project is the city's first completed using the design build
method of project delivery and was completed in 22 months, less
(09:29):
than half the time expected under the old lowest bidder
contracting system and with significant cost savings.
The garage and community space are adjacent to Queens Borough
Hall and the Queens Criminal Courthouse.
The eight level parking garage includes 600 public parking
spaces, 63 bicycle racks and an adjacent 25,000 square foot two
(09:51):
level flexible multi purpose community space.
The parking garage and communityspace includes A partial planted
green roof, EV chargers, solar panels and on site stormwater
retention. The community space portion of
the project received LEED Gold certification for environmental
sustainability and the parking garage obtained Parksmart
(10:12):
certification to recognize that it is high performing and
sustainable. About the NYC Department of
Design and Construction. The Department of Design and
Construction is the City's primary capital construction
project manager in supporting Mayor Adams long term vision of
growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy
(10:33):
living. DDC provides communities with
new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses,
libraries, police precincts and new or upgraded roads, sewers
and water mains in all 5 boroughs.
To manage this $24 billion portfolio, DDC partners with
other city agencies, architects and consultants whose experience
(10:56):
bring efficient, innovative and environmentally conscious design
and construction strategies to city projects.
For more information, please visit nyc.gov/DDC.
Commissioner Thomas Foley of theNYC Department of Design and
Construction DDC announced that the agency has received 8/20/24
Engineering Excellence Awards from the American Council of
Engineering Companies of New York, ACC New York for capital
projects in the Bronx, Brooklyn,and Queens.
The 57th Annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala will be
(00:23):
held at the Midtown Hilton on April 13th, 2024.
DDC makes communities better andsafer through innovative,
environmentally conscious projects that help every New
Yorker, said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley.
Many of the projects recognized are reducing flooding in our
neighborhoods, others bring safety improvements for drivers,
(00:44):
cyclists, and pedestrians, and others created new Parkland.
We thank ACC New York for recognizing these DDC projects
and are pleased to accept these awards and congratulations to
the DDC team. Beach 108th St.
Streetscape improvements. The DDC $16.6 million
(01:06):
infrastructure project that rebuilt Beach 108th St. in
Rockaway, Queens from Beach Channel Drive to Shorefront Pkwy
received the Gold award in the environmental category from ACC
New York. DDC managed the project for DEP
and dot. The reconstruction project
helped rebuild an area damaged by Superstorm Sandy by using
(01:26):
more than 11,000 square feet of new permeable concrete slabs,
allowing nearly 1.3 million gallons of stormwater to be
absorbed into the ground each year.
This natural stormwater drainageeases pressure on the sewer
system and reduces flooding in the area.
Approximately 1100 feet of existing storm sewers and 22
(01:48):
catch basins were repaired or replaced, and an additional 140
feet of new storm sewers plus three new catch basins were
added. More than 18,000 square yards of
asphalt were laid down to pave the area.
About 6000 feet of old water mains were also replaced and two
new fire hydrants were added. Starlight Park in the Bronx.
(02:10):
The DDC's $41 million Starlight Park project, which converted
2.7 acres of formerly paid industrial property into a vast
green space with Greenway connections in the Bronx,
received the Platinum Award in the Special Projects category.
The project, managed by DDC for NYC Parks, added new bridges
(02:31):
extending over train lines and the river and better entry
points into the park. The features helped connect
nearby neighborhoods that were previously cut off from one
another and created links to Starlight Parks, ball fields,
playgrounds, boat launch, and the Bronx River House, a
community educational facility and boathouse.
(02:51):
Significant stormwater management features were also
implemented, including 140 new trees and nearly 12,000 new
shrubs to support the restoration of the Bronx River
Shoreline, including wetlands that improve water quality in
the river to curb erosion. Additionally, new lighting was
installed, several new retainingwalls were constructed for 1000
(03:13):
feet of new pathway was created,and drainage and electrical
upgrades were made throughout various areas of the park.
A total of 50,000 tons of soil was removed and replaced to
promote ecological health. Pelham Parkway Phase Two also in
the Bronx, the $129 million project involving the 2nd and
(03:34):
final phase of the reconstruction of Pelham Parkway
received a Gold Award in the Water Resources category.
The transformation greatly enhances the busy Parkway that
sprawls across multiple Bronx neighborhoods, making it safer
for road users while also improving water absorption to
reduce flooding, Phase two included vast improvements to
the westbound Main Road and North Service Rd.
(03:56):
Between Stillwell Ave. and Boston Rd. including the
replacement of underground utilities, upgrading of drainage
structures, and the installationof new sewer trunk and
distribution water mains. Over 200 catch basins were
milled, paved and reconstructed,and over 300 new trees were
planted to enhance Pelham Parkway.
(04:17):
For road users, 240 streetlightswere added, as well as 70
traffic signals, specialized pavement markings and new
dedicated bus lane and installation of new guide rails.
The reconstruction also includedcobblestone, sloped wall and
steel fence along Pelham ParkwayNorth Service Rd.
Between Bronx Wood Ave. and Wallace Ave. the project was
(04:39):
managed by DDC for dot and DEP Storm and combined sewers in 220
9th St. SE Queens.
The DDC $75 million project thatinstalled storm, sanitary and
combined sewers in and around 220 9th St. in southeast Queens
received the Diamond Award in the Waste and stormwater
(05:00):
category. More than 14,600 feet of water
mains were installed, along with41 new fire hydrants.
More than 8000 feet of a new sanitary line was installed,
connecting 160 houses to the city sewer system for the first
time to alleviate flooding and ponding.
The project included the installation of over 6700 linear
(05:24):
feet of new storm sewers and nearly 100 catch basins.
The project, managed by DDC for DEP and dot also included a tide
gate chamber which controls the water flow from the tidewater
area and combined sewer system. Curbs, sidewalks and roads were
fully restored with ADA compatible pedestrian ramps,
(05:46):
installation of new trunk mains and distribution water mains
near 33rd Ave. in Queens, Also in Queens, DDC $79 million
project that included major water main and sewer upgrades
around 30 3rd Ave. in northeastern Queens received the
Platinum Award in the Special Projects category.
More than 9 miles of trunk main distribution water main and
(06:10):
combined sewers were installed in the 33rd Ave. area.
The project included the installation of 6450 linear feet
of a new 72 inch steel trunk water main and 8850 linear feet
of new 48 inch steel trunk watermain.
Several distribution water mainswere also replaced to increase
(06:31):
drainage capacity. 8250 linear feet of existing storm sanitary
and combined sewers were replaced.
More than 100 sewer manholes and150 catch basins were also
replaced. The project managed by DDC for
DEP included micro tunneling under the Clearview Expressway
(06:52):
and Eight Lane Highway. It also reconstructed 3.5 miles
of roadway in the area, including curbs, sidewalks and
pedestrian ramps. Reconstruction of Empire Blvd.
The $21 million reconstruction of Empire Blvd.
In Brooklyn received the Silver Award in the Special Projects
category. The project was managed by DDC
(07:16):
for dot and DEP. The redesign improved pedestrian
safety, particularly for the elderly population that uses the
busy corridor. The project included slip lane
closures, the implementation of wider sidewalks, curb extensions
and concrete neck downs to shorten pedestrian crossings.
(07:36):
Large, continuous pedestrian spaces around the intersection
of Empire Blvd. and Utica Ave. were also built.
Traffic Safety was enhanced withoperational changes such as
signal timing modification and lane reconfiguration.
The project also creates better connections between multiple
modes of public transportation. Reinforced concrete bus pads
(08:00):
were also added. The project included the
replacement of old cast iron water mains, improving water
distribution as well as a local combined sewer, replacement of
water mains and sewer upgrades along Cypress Ave.
The $40 million DDC project thatreplaced water mains and
implemented sewer upgrades in the Ridgewood section of Queens
(08:21):
received the Gold award in the waste and stormwater category.
The project managed for DEP replaced the area's almost 100
year old water and sewer lines. This included the installation
of nearly 4000 feet of a 60 inchtrunk main, 2346 feet of 48 inch
trunk main and additional trunk and distribution mains, upgrades
(08:45):
to local combined sewers including the construction of
four large underground chambers and the installation of 32 new
catch basins. The roads were restored with new
asphalt paving. Additionally, 37 fire hydrants
were installed and substantial utility upgrades by Con Edison,
Verizon, and Charter Communication were also
(09:05):
completed during the project. Queens Garage and Community
Space DD CS $81 million Queens Garage and Community Space, part
of the City's Borough Based Jails program, received the
Silver Award in the Special Projects category.
The project is the city's first completed using the design build
method of project delivery and was completed in 22 months, less
(09:29):
than half the time expected under the old lowest bidder
contracting system and with significant cost savings.
The garage and community space are adjacent to Queens Borough
Hall and the Queens Criminal Courthouse.
The eight level parking garage includes 600 public parking
spaces, 63 bicycle racks and an adjacent 25,000 square foot two
(09:51):
level flexible multi purpose community space.
The parking garage and communityspace includes A partial planted
green roof, EV chargers, solar panels and on site stormwater
retention. The community space portion of
the project received LEED Gold certification for environmental
sustainability and the parking garage obtained Parksmart
(10:12):
certification to recognize that it is high performing and
sustainable. About the NYC Department of
Design and Construction. The Department of Design and
Construction is the City's primary capital construction
project manager in supporting Mayor Adams long term vision of
growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy
(10:33):
living. DDC provides communities with
new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses,
libraries, police precincts and new or upgraded roads, sewers
and water mains in all 5 boroughs.
To manage this $24 billion portfolio, DDC partners with
other city agencies, architects and consultants whose experience
(10:56):
bring efficient, innovative and environmentally conscious design
and construction strategies to city projects.
For more information, please visit nyc.gov/DDC.
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