Got a Problem With Flooding? Let the DEP Know

Have you had trouble driving through Forest Hills because of flooding in recent years? If so, you're not alone. In a heavy rain, many side streets — and often the Grand Central Parkway — become utterly impassable because of ponding water.

The Department of Environmental Protection has spent years working on the problem in certain parts of the neighborhood, and recently announced completion of a new drainage system.

But residents and local leaders have been less than impressed with the results. Despite the DEP finishing a project designed to alleviate flooding, many people still see deep ponding in streets and in their homes on rainy days in the borough.

To address the issue — and let locals air their grievances — City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz will be holding a meeting next week, on Sept. 27.

The town hall meeting will be held in conjunction with Community Board 6 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center, 106-06 Queens Blvd., at 7:45 p.m.

Koslowitz is urging all residents who have had problems with flooding in the past to come out and make their voices heard.

Already, the councilwoman has written a letter to the DEP to report problems in the area and urge them to come to the table in Forest Hills.

"My office has been contacted by a number of residents regarding flooding in apartments, homes and businesses with major damage to personal property."

Koslowitz's letter to the DEP is attached at right in PDF form.