Hasbrouck Drainage Project Resumes
Work on the Hasbrouck Drainage Improvement Project is once again underway. In 2025, construction focused on Hasbrouck Avenue, Sheldon Drive, and Robert Road. This week, crews resumed work and began the third and final leg of this major infrastructure investment. The final path will include laying pipe from Pho Rush Restaurant through the Hotel Property, along Clinton, and up through Union to connect with the drainage structures on Robert Road.
History of Flooding
For decades, residents in this neighborhood have faced recurring flooding problems. In recent years, those issues have become more severe, forcing homeowners to repeatedly replace furnaces, water heaters, appliances, and personal belongings damaged by floodwaters.
Bumps Along the Way
As with many large infrastructure projects, unexpected challenges have arisen along the way. Despite numerous test pits and preconstruction planning, much like renovating an older home, once excavation begins, previously hidden conditions are often uncovered. During construction on Hasbrouck Avenue, crews discovered that existing gas and water lines did not meet current separation requirements. The Town also decided to avoid going under Main Street Street to avoid having to shore up older, historical buildings and significant cost increases due to conditions on the ground.
Project Funding
Addressing these issues required engineering redesign, change orders and additional funding approvals by the Town Board. When completed, the project is expected to cost more than $6 million, including restoration work and the repaving of impacted roads. The Town successfully secured significant outside funding, including two grants totaling $2 million. Congressman Pat Ryan obtained a community project grant through the EPA Clean Water Fund. A Hazard Mitigation Planning and Engineering Grant was secured through NYS DHSES to cover the project’s design and engineering costs. Following the July 9th Federal Disaster in 2023, FEMA provided funding that was applied to portions of the project. The remaining funding was obtained through municipal bonds. This is a good example of how large projects are funded via various sources and uses.
Worth the Wait
Construction has transformed the neighborhood landscape over the past several months. Drainage pipes, concrete culverts, excavation equipment, and temporary road closures have become a familiar sight. While the work has created unavoidable inconveniences, residents have remained patient and supportive, understanding that these improvements will provide a long-term solution to a problem that has affected the community for generations.
This construction was the best thing that ever happened on this block. I no longer stress when there’s the threat of rain. It was getting to the point that each time it rained, we would flood. It didn’t take much rain to flood the area. Argenio said he’d leave the area nicer than when he got here, and he was 1000% right. Everything they touch looks more beautiful.
-Jennifer Vandenberg, Resident
When the project is complete, homeowners can look forward to greater peace of mind, knowing that the days of flooded basements, damaged property, and repeated insurance claims are finally coming to an end.