Walk into Robert Lane after a heavy rain, and you’ll see the same scene unfold: neighbors with pumps, fans, and buckets, fighting a fight that seems never-ending. “It’s become a ritual,” says Kevin Rooney, whose basement floods every time it rains heavy enough to upset the city’s stormwater system. “I pump my neighbor’s house out, then mine—because if I don’t, the water will come for us both.”
A Waterlogged Reality
Kevin and his neighbor Ralph Saragiotis have lived on Robert Lane for years. Each storm—once a rarity—now feels like an event they must prepare for. Upside down, the sewage, dirty water, debris: all of it presses in, bringing destruction and expensive cleanup that drains more than just bank accounts.
For Kevin, the basement isn’t just a storage space—it’s become a hazard. “My boiler’s inches from water. My electric panel gets soaked. I can’t leave because I can’t afford the damage, and I can’t sleep because I’m waiting for the next rain.”
Feeling Unheard
Residents say they’ve tried reaching out to city officials for years: filing complaints, asking for fixes, hoping. But with each summer storm, the floodwaters rise—and expectations sink. No permanent solution has arrived, and some feel forgotten in what should be the city’s greater concern.
“We can’t just wait for someone with a five-billion-dollar plan,” Kevin says, frustration in his voice. “This is every rain now. Every one.”
What Needs to Be Done
Local residents suggest steps they believe could make a difference. First: proper drainage investments and infrastructure upgrades that treat storm runoff as more than a nuisance. Second: regular inspections and maintenance of sewer lines before summer storms strike. Third: transparent communication—clear timelines, commitments, and who’s responsible.
City hall often speaks of master plans, future funding, climate action, and green initiatives. And while those long-term efforts are vital, neighbors on Robert Lane need help today. Insurance doesn’t cover everything. Mold doesn’t wait.
A Call to Collective Action
Many believe this isn’t just Robert Lane’s issue, but one shared by similarly flood-prone areas across Yonkers. Supporting each other, raising voices, documenting damage—these are steps people here are already taking. They want their stories to be heard not just in their own homes, but in the halls of power where decisions are made.
As Yonkers navigates climate change, infrastructure, and equity, the residents of Robert Lane want more than acknowledgement. They want action—before the rain comes again.