RED HOOK — Ever since Hurricane Sandy proved that Red Hook's existing infrastructure needed a serious overhaul if the neighborhood was going to withstand another major storm, the community has been focused on resiliency.
On Saturday, residents will learn about dozens of projects that are underway in the neighborhood, including a workforce training program and a system to protect Red Hook against flooding, at the Red Hook Community Summit.
The public event will be held on Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Summit Academy, located at 27 Huntington St.
During Saturday's session, organizations will each make a short presentation on the ongoing efforts to revitalize and strengthen the neighborhood.
After the presentation, residents will have a chance to give their input on the projects.
"A lot of it is about getting people to participate," said Victoria Hagman, one of the organizers.
"It's about trying to find new blood and new interest from people who want to build on Red Hook's core strengths."
The forum is part of a series of workshops focused on resiliency, local economic development and aiding small businesses, according to Red Hook's New York Rising Community Reconstruction Planning Committee.
The organization is working in partnership with the Municipal Art Society's Livable Neighborhoods program and the Department of Small Business Services.
Red Hook was devasted by the deadly storm when it hit New York City in October 2012. Floodwater inundated streets, homes, local businesses and “overwhelmed” the sewer system, according to the New York Rising Community Reconstruction Plan.
Thousands of residents, many of whom lived in Red Hook’s NYCHA buildings, lived without heat and electricity for weeks. Some in the public housing complex did not have running water for days, the report found.
These workshops will not only inform residents on ongoing projects but also offer advice on connecting with local officials and resources to better understand the city planning process, organizers said.
The next workshops will be held on Feb. 3, Feb. 23, March 23, and a final meeting will be hosted in June.
For more information and to RSVP to Saturday's event, click here.
