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Rebuild by Design-Hudson River Project FAQ

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Rebuild by Design-Hudson River Project FAQ

Project Background

1. What is the Rebuild by Design – Hudson River Project?

The Rebuild by Design (RBD) project is a flood resiliency initiative launched by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to improve resilience in regions affected by Superstorm Sandy. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) was awarded nearly $300 million by HUD to lead the Rebuild by Design - Hudson River (RBDH) project, which aims to protect Hoboken and portions of Jersey City and Weehawken against future flooding caused by storm surge.  

2. What are the main components of the Rebuild by Design – Hudson River Project?

The RBDH project aims to mitigate flooding impacts using four approaches:

  • Resist: Hard infrastructure like floodwalls, seawalls, and soft landscaping features such as berms and levees to act as barriers during high tide and storm surge events.
  • Delay: Policies and urban green infrastructure to slow stormwater runoff.
  • Store: Green and grey infrastructure improvements to capture stormwater during heavy rain events.
  • Discharge: Upgrades to the stormwater management system, including sewer lines, outfalls, and pumping stations.

The RBDH project is funding the implementation of this approach through three key infrastructure projects:  

  • Construction of a resist structure to prevent storm surge from entering the city along the northern and southern portions of the Hoboken waterfront.  
  • Modifications to the sewer system to prevent storm surge from entering Hoboken from underground sewer lines.  
  • Development of an expanded and improved Harborside Park featuring a portion of the resist alignment.  

The City of Hoboken’s investments to mitigate stormwater flooding from heavy rain events using resiliency parks, such as ResilienCity Park, as well as green infrastructure projects, will work in tandem with RBDH’s investments to address storm surge flooding from the Hudson River.  

3. Why is the Rebuild by Design-Hudson River Project necessary?

During Superstorm Sandy in October of 2012, 80% of the City of Hoboken was flooded with an estimated 500 million gallons of coastal storm surge and many areas of Hoboken were without power for weeks. The National Guard was deployed to help evacuate residents from their homes where they were stranded. It is estimated that more than $100 million in private property damage and $10 million in public property damage occurred. The Rebuild by Design – Hudson River project aims to mitigate storm surge flooding, limit storm surge damage, remove 80% of the city from the flood plain, and reduce flood insurance costs for residents.

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Project Background

1. What is the Rebuild by Design – Hudson River Project?

The Rebuild by Design (RBD) project is a flood resiliency initiative launched by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to improve resilience in regions affected by Superstorm Sandy. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) was awarded nearly $300 million by HUD to lead the Rebuild by Design - Hudson River (RBDH) project, which aims to protect Hoboken and portions of Jersey City and Weehawken against future flooding caused by storm surge.  

2. What are the main components of the Rebuild by Design – Hudson River Project?

The RBDH project aims to mitigate flooding impacts using four approaches:

  • Resist: Hard infrastructure like floodwalls, seawalls, and soft landscaping features such as berms and levees to act as barriers during high tide and storm surge events.
  • Delay: Policies and urban green infrastructure to slow stormwater runoff.
  • Store: Green and grey infrastructure improvements to capture stormwater during heavy rain events.
  • Discharge: Upgrades to the stormwater management system, including sewer lines, outfalls, and pumping stations.

The RBDH project is funding the implementation of this approach through three key infrastructure projects:  

  • Construction of a resist structure to prevent storm surge from entering the city along the northern and southern portions of the Hoboken waterfront.  
  • Modifications to the sewer system to prevent storm surge from entering Hoboken from underground sewer lines.  
  • Development of an expanded and improved Harborside Park featuring a portion of the resist alignment.  

The City of Hoboken’s investments to mitigate stormwater flooding from heavy rain events using resiliency parks, such as ResilienCity Park, as well as green infrastructure projects, will work in tandem with RBDH’s investments to address storm surge flooding from the Hudson River.  

3. Why is the Rebuild by Design-Hudson River Project necessary?

During Superstorm Sandy in October of 2012, 80% of the City of Hoboken was flooded with an estimated 500 million gallons of coastal storm surge and many areas of Hoboken were without power for weeks. The National Guard was deployed to help evacuate residents from their homes where they were stranded. It is estimated that more than $100 million in private property damage and $10 million in public property damage occurred. The Rebuild by Design – Hudson River project aims to mitigate storm surge flooding, limit storm surge damage, remove 80% of the city from the flood plain, and reduce flood insurance costs for residents.

Northern Construction Updates & Traffic Impacts

1. What is happening on 15th Street starting July 7?

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will begin the next phase of the Rebuild by Design – Hudson River project, which includes major construction on 15th Street to install underground infrastructure for a sliding flood gate designed to protect Hoboken from storm surge flooding.

2. What construction work will be done?

Activities include:

  • Excavation for the resist structure
  • Pouring and curing a foundational slab for the gate
  • Utility relocation (PSE&G)
  • Installation of gate rails, curbs, sidewalks, and the flood gate
  • Roadway paving, restriping, and other infrastructure improvements
3. Which streets will be closed and for how long?

Starting July 7, the following streets will be closed to vehicular through-traffic 24/7 for approximately four months:

  • 15th Street (Park Avenue to Bloomfield Street)
  • Garden Street (between 15th and 14th Streets)
  • The alleyway between Garden Street and Bloomfield Street
4. How is traffic being managed during the closure?

Traffic mitigation measures include:

  • Adjusted traffic signal timing at 11 intersections
  • Up to 3 Portable Variable Message Signs
  • Up to 5 Police Officers managing key intersections as needed
  • Installation of new Miovision traffic cameras for real-time monitoring

5. Will I be able to access my garage?

Yes. the parking garages at 1499 Park Ave. and LAZ Parking will be maintained.

6. Will pedestrian access be maintained?

Yes. The following pedestrian routes will remain open:

  • South side of 15th Street (between Park Avenue and Garden Street, and Garden Street to Bloomfield Street)
  • West side of Garden Street (between 14th and 15th Streets)
  • Restored temporary pedestrian access through the alleyway between Garden and Bloomfield Streets
7. Will curb uses change during construction?

Yes. Temporary curb adjustments will include:

  • Designated pick-up/drop-off zones for local schools
  • Loading zones for deliveries and resident shuttles on Bloomfield and 14th Streets
8. Will emergency access be available?

Yes. Emergency access will be maintained via 14th and Garden Streets, in coordination with the Hoboken Fire Department.

9. When will the project be completed?

This phase is expected to take approximately 4 months using multiple crews and extended hours. Harborside Park, where the sliding floodgate will be housed during sunny days, is expected to be completed in 2027.

Completed Construction Work

1. What progress has been made so far on the Rebuild by Design project?

The Sewer Separation Modification (SSM) contract was completed in July 2022, separating portions of the sewer system to prevent water from surcharging under the Resist structure.

In October 2023, construction began on a new Harborside Park, which will integrate flood walls and gates to mitigate storm surge flooding while providing open space amenities for the community.

2. What will be in Harborside Park when it is completed?

Once completed, the new Harborside Park will serve as both a critical flood protection asset and a vibrant community space for Hoboken residents. Located at 15th Street and Park Avenue, this nearly 3-acre park will include several amenities designed to enhance quality of life while providing robust flood defenses.

Key features of Harborside Park will include:

  • Resist features and flood gates integrated into the park design to protect the community from storm surge flooding.
  • Playground
  • Amphitheater
  • Dog run
  • Open space

Harborside Park will be the first in New Jersey to combine elevated flood protection features with community amenities, setting a new standard for resilient urban park design.

Stay Engaged

1. Where can I learn more about the Rebuild by Design-Hudson River project?

The NJDEP has a webpage dedicated to the Rebuild by Design – Hudson River project, which includes past meeting materials and presentations and more. Go to https://dep.nj.gov/floodresilience/rebuild-by-design-hudson-river/.

2. How can I stay updated on the latest construction schedules?

Weekly construction schedules are available online at www.hobokennj.gov/construction.  

3. How can I provide feedback or ask questions?

Your feedback is valuable as the project team continues to work on improving traffic management and responsiveness to any issues.

If you have further questions, concerns, or if you would like to learn more about the project, please contact the NJDEP Community Construction Liaison for the Rebuild by Design project Isabella Brascetta at 1-800-252-0219 or rbdhinquiries@portal3.pbid.com.

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