About the Project
NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler Skilled Nursing Facility is located on the north side of Roosevelt Island. During Hurricane Sandy in 2012 the facility suffered flood damage to critical building infrastructure.
In the aftermath of Sandy, Senator Chuck Schumer helped secure a large FEMA grant for NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H). The grant seeks to protect the City’s most vulnerable public hospitals from coastal flooding and includes NYC H+H/Coler.
Currently, H+H is in the pre-design phase for a new perimeter hazard mitigation system at NYC H+H/Coler. To protect the long-term care facility from future damage, NYC H+H will design and construct a new perimeter hazard mitigation system at Coler. This mitigation system will create a berm barrier, provide protection for up to a 500-year coastal flood event, and will protect the campus from major storm events.
Coler Hospital History
Formerly known as Bird S. Coler Hospital, and later Coler-Goldwater Memorial Hospital, NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler has provided exceptional long-term care and rehabilitation to New York City’s most vulnerable communities for more than 60 years at its Roosevelt Island location. The facility was named after Bird Sim Coler, New York City’s first comptroller. Throughout his political career, Coler fought against corruption and authored many books on municipal government. The facility officially opened its doors in 1952. Today, NYC H+H/Coler offers comprehensive short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care services at the same picturesque location.
About NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler
NYC H+H/Coler is an 815-bed skilled nursing facility located in Roosevelt Island, providing comprehensive skilled nursing, medical and rehabilitative care for more than 70 years. NYC H+H/Coler is committed to serving New York City and the surrounding communities, while setting an example as a leader in memory care programming and rehabilitation. Ranked 5th among “2024 Best Nursing Homes in New York” by Newsweek, the facility earned a Five-Star CMS rating which designates them among the top 10 percent of skilled nursing facilities in the country. In 2024, Coler was the first post-acute care facility in the nation to receive a Beacon Award for Memory Care.
Project Input Survey
As we work towards safeguarding the facility’s campus, we want your thoughts and ideas for the public space around NYC H+H/Coler. Please take our project input survey to help develop a public space that benefits everyone.
Existing Conditions
Currently, the facility is surrounded by temporary flood barriers, which serve as a critical line of defense against potential flooding events. While these barriers are temporary, they are essential in protecting the infrastructure and ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.
The existing parking area adjacent to the facility can serve multiple purposes. While it is currently solely used as parking, the area presents unique opportunities for the flood mitigation site. The parking area can also serve as a connection point to the Island’s recreational amenities like Lighthouse Park.
project Timeline
This timeline outlines the critical stages and activities involved in developing the design for the flood mitigation measures at NYC H+H/Coler. This timeline is subject to change and will be updated as the project progresses.
Project Location
Project Resources
Flood Levels
This map provide valuable insights into the potential flood risks and hazards of Roosevelt Island. Developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this map demonstrates the levels of the flood-prone areas, which are essential for understanding and mitigating flood risks.
Request for proposalS (RFP)
The design RFP included important technical information about the project requirements, timelines, and submission process for the Coler Coastal Resiliency Project.
community Visioning workshop display Boards
View the display boards from the NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler community visioning workshop.
Project Video
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) joint Real Estate and Operations Advisory Committee (REDAC) was joined by Joseph Musso of NYC Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency to discuss the plan for NYC H+H/Coler’s flood management.
Contact Us
For any questions or comments regarding the project, please submit them through this contact form. We will respond as soon as possible.