STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Hitendra Patel recently celebrated the completion of a significant $84 million project dedicated to safeguarding Staten Island’s coastal areas from flooding.
This project, which encompasses raised streets, new sidewalks, and upgraded sewer systems in the New Dorp Beach neighborhood, aims to enhance stormwater drainage in a region that has historically faced flooding challenges.
While this initiative stands out for its impressive scope and scale, it is merely one of countless projects that Patel has contributed to throughout his 29-year career with the Department of Design and Construction (DDC).
As Patel approaches his 30-year milestone with DDC, the same length of time the agency has been in operation, he reflects on a career dedicated to Staten Island’s improvement.
“See, when you start [a project], it’s always very difficult, because some people can’t picture how it’s going to look, but when you start a restoration, they see one block and they can picture ‘my block is going to look like this.’ Then you have less issues with homeowners,” Patel remarked while discussing the transformative project in New Dorp Beach.
Patel’s hands-on approach has set him apart in his nearly 40 years of public service, particularly during his 29 years at DDC focusing on Staten Island.
“I sometimes personally visit homeowners to explain how the project will look, the timeline, and the process involved. I take pride in every project; I regard it as if it’s my own block, and I strive to ensure it meets a high standard,” he expressed.
Originally hailing from India, Patel admitted that upon his arrival in New York City in 1985, he had no inkling that he would end up in city government.
His initial experience in the private sector changed when a relative encouraged him to pursue a career in public service.
Reflecting on his early days on Staten Island, Patel described it as feeling markedly different from the rest of New York City.
“It was so different than the rest of the city,” he remarked.
“It felt like entering a new, small city. The environment was better, and it was a friendly place to work.”
Patel joined the DDC in 1996, right as the agency was being established, and worked on many of its inaugural projects on Staten Island.
Given the unique needs of the borough, he noted a distinct focus during that time.
“At the time, the emphasis was primarily on sanitary sewers because most households were using septic tanks,” Patel noted. “The city aimed to eliminate septic tanks in Staten Island, leading to a focus on sanitary sewers.”
In a throwback to the early 2000s, a local publication featured Patel as the lead engineer for a $10 million storm and sanitary sewer project along Poillon Avenue in Annadale.
Over the years, the requirements in Staten Island have evolved, prompting a shift in the types of projects that pass through Patel’s office.
“Our focus has significantly changed to the rehabilitation of water mains, many of which are between 70 to 100 years old. Thirty years ago, they were on the borderline, and we could afford to wait. Funds were primarily allocated to sanitary sewers, but now we’re investing in modernizing the water mains and storm sewers to effectively manage surface water on the streets,” he explained.
Patel also noted how the approach of the agency has transformed remarkably over the decades.
“When we started, there were no computers. Everything was handwritten, and our designs were manually drawn. Now, hand drawing feels like an ancient practice,” he reflected.
The civil servant pointed out that public interaction has undergone a considerable change since he began his career at the DDC.
“Now, as soon as someone snaps a photo and sends it to the Staten Island Advance, it’s instantly in the newspaper,” Patel joked, recognizing the rapid pace and heightened scrutiny surrounding the agency’s work.
Despite the significant changes over nearly 30 years, Patel continues to find enjoyment in his work each day.
He takes pride in witnessing the positive results of his efforts in a growing Staten Island.
“From a small city, it’s grown into a large city now. There’s a noticeable increase in traffic, improvements to infrastructure, and a growing population,” he said.
“I don’t see massive structures, but many houses have been built. In areas where we once worked, there were only empty lots; now they are developed into residential neighborhoods.”
Reflecting on his legacy, Patel noted, “When I revisit my former projects, I see a thriving community and a lot of new houses and townhouses. It’s transformed into a lively city.”
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