Hamilton Beach and Howard Beach are currently at risk of frequent tidal flooding. The persistent tidal flooding that our community has been experiencing over the last 20 years has only increased as tidal flooding, which in the past occurred once or twice a year, now happens sometime once, twice or MORE each month. The flooding has damaged our homes and our vehicles but more importantly affected our peace of mind!

In the mid 1960’s, a major study was completed for Jamaica Bay. This came in the aftermath of extensive damage caused by Hurricane Donna in 1960 and a major nor'easter in March 1962. The plans included a recommendation for hurricane protection along the perimeter of the Howard Beach area using berms, levees, storm barriers and interior drainage in and around Hawtree and Shellbank Basins. The Flood Act of 1965 passed the senate and house and was signed by President Johnson and became Public Law 89-298, however nothing ever came of it. Now we jump ahead over 50 years and the only thing that has been done is study after study. The current study which includes a massive barrier from Sandy Hook NJ to Breezy Point NY will do nothing to protect the most vulnerable communities around Jamaica Bay including my own.

We, as a community, request that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers reevaluate the plan that was made into public law in 1965 and build the berms and flood gates along the northern side of Jamaica Bay which would Protect Our Community!