FloodNet project partners with communities to map NYC flooding and install sensors

The Brooklyn Borough Board convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss critical community issues, particularly focusing on flooding and the deployment of sensor technology to monitor water levels across the borough. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to engage with local communities and address their specific flooding concerns.

The session began with a presentation detailing the development of neighborhood profiles that outline flooding issues in various areas, including Canarsie. These profiles aim to identify the types of flooding most impactful to residents, such as rainfall, high tide, and storm flooding. The presenters emphasized the importance of community involvement in creating these profiles, collaborating with local organizations to ensure that the information is relevant and useful.

A significant outcome of community engagement was the creation of a fact sheet addressing mental wellness related to flooding. This resource aims to support residents who frequently experience flooding, acknowledging the trauma that can accompany such events. The presenters noted that these materials are distributed during outreach events to ensure that affected individuals have access to necessary support.

The meeting also covered educational initiatives, including modules designed to help communities understand sensor technology and data interpretation. These modules guide residents in using dashboards that display real-time flooding data, enabling them to communicate effectively about flooding impacts during public meetings.

A key focus of the discussion was the installation of 500 sensors across the borough to monitor flooding. The presenters acknowledged the complexity of determining optimal sensor locations, which involves input from city agencies, research partners, and community members. A QR code was shared during the presentation, allowing residents to suggest sensor locations based on their experiences with flooding. Over a thousand suggestions have already been received, indicating strong community interest in the project.

Board members raised concerns about the correlation between flooding and infrastructure issues, such as blocked sewers, and emphasized the need for comprehensive data analysis to understand the causes of flooding better. The presenters assured attendees that they are collecting various data types, including rainfall and tide data, to investigate these relationships further.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue collaboration with community boards and residents, ensuring that the sensor deployment is equitable and addresses the needs of the most vulnerable neighborhoods. The presenters encouraged ongoing dialogue and feedback from the community to enhance the effectiveness of the flood monitoring initiative.