NEW YORK — Police recovered a headless body from the waters of Bergen Basin near North Channel Bridge in Howard Beach, Queens, last night, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The grim discovery unfolded around 8:30 PM on March 9, 2026, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities and the NYPD’s 106th Precinct. This disturbing event compounds anxieties within the Howard Beach community, already grappling with another significant flooding episode following a powerful nor'easter that swept through the area earlier in the day. Simultaneously, residents across Howard Beach and the neighboring areas of Lindenwood and Old Howard Beach are once again facing severe flooding, with several streets impassable and basements inundated. The National Weather Service reported over 3 inches of rain coupled with unusually high tides, peaking at 7:00 PM, creating a perfect storm that overwhelmed the local drainage systems. This incident marks the fourth major flooding event in the past 12 months for the vulnerable coastal community, reigniting calls for longterm infrastructural solutions. Unraveling the Waterside Discovery NYPD divers retrieved the unidentified remains from the murky waters after a passerby reported seeing a suspicious object floating near the shoreline. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken custody of the body for autopsy and identification purposes. "Our priority is to identify the victim and determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic death," stated Captain Eleanor Vance, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, at a press briefing this morning outside the precinct house on 101st Avenue. She added, "Investigators are reviewing all available surveillance footage from nearby marinas and residential properties." Preliminary investigations by the NYPD’s Homicide Bureau are underway, with detectives canvassing the area for potential witnesses. The specific location of the discovery, a quiet stretch of water often used by local boaters and fishermen, has left many residents shaken. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1800577TIPS. Howard Beach Submerged Amid Persistent Deluge Meanwhile, the familiar sight of submerged vehicles and waterlogged streets has returned to Howard Beach, particularly along Cross Bay Boulevard and the avenues closer to Jamaica Bay. Residents woke to find streets like 157th Avenue and 84th Street covered in several feet of water, making travel impossible for smaller vehicles. Many families living in lowlying areas spent the night moving belongings to higher ground, a routine they hoped had ended with the city’s previous resiliency efforts. Local homeowner, Maria Rodriguez, whose home on 160th Avenue saw water enter her garage for the third time this year, expressed her frustration. "We've been asking for better drainage, for stronger seawalls, for anything that works," Rodriguez told local reporters, her voice tinged with exasperation. "Every heavy rain, every high tide, we live in fear. It's not just an inconvenience; it's a threat to our homes and our peace of mind. We need action, not just promises, from the city council and borough president." City's Response and Ongoing Flood Mitigation Efforts New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) crews were deployed early this morning to assess damage and clear clogged catch basins. A spokesperson for the DEP, Michael O'Connell, confirmed that over 50 emergency calls related to flooding in Queens were received between 5:00 PM yesterday and 7:00 AM today. "We understand the deep frustration of Howard Beach residents," O'Connell said. "Our teams are on the ground, and we are accelerating the implementation of the $35 million drainage improvement project announced last year for the area, focusing on the most critically affected zones around Frank Charles Memorial Park." However, residents like local business owner Sal Vitale, whose pizzeria on Cross Bay Boulevard sustained water damage to its delivery vehicles, question the pace and effectiveness of these projects. "They talk about projects, but the water still comes," Vitale observed, gesturing at the stillwet pavement outside his establishment. "We need concrete solutions that are actually going to prevent this, not just clean it up after the fact. Small businesses here can't keep taking these hits every few months. It directly impacts our ability to serve the community, especially when roads are impassable for hours." LongTerm Resiliency and Community Advocacy The recurring flooding has galvanized local community groups, including the Howard Beach Civic Association, to redouble their advocacy efforts. They are calling for an emergency meeting with Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and relevant city agencies to demand a comprehensive, accelerated plan. Their proposals include elevated roadways, improved tidal gates for critical waterways, and expanded green inf
