Residents of the Jewel Street neighborhood in East New York, often called "The Hole" by those who live there, say the city has neglected to address issues of frequent flooding, unpaved roads and inadequate drainage.

"If it rains for a day or two you can't get out because you don't know what's in that water," said resident Briana Gage.

A five-point proposal from the city’s Housing Preservation and Development calls for short- and long-term fixes for the flooding, the potential of raising the streets, repaving streets and empowering the city to turn empty lots into housing, as well as private developers for single family units.

However, residents told News 12 that they have been hearing the same thing for decades.

"Every time, the money goes somewhere else and we lose out,” said Luigi Sabellico, who has lived in his home since 1952. “They closed the pumping station 40 years ago, we need it to come back, so we don't have water in our basement year-round.”

Residents say the city should have acted before the land was identified as a candidate for affordable housing.

"One of the reasons why we have stayed has been the feeling of a community of small residential homes with yards and silent pathways," said resident Julisa Rodriguez. She wants to see a buyout program for residents who do not support the increasing density.

Others say there are quality-of-life issues that are just as pressing, including illegal dumping by trucks, illegal industrial use and city roads that appear blocked and cut off.

"There are city streets here where, decades ago, someone just blocked it, and is living there, acting like it's private property. They need to know that," Sabellico said.

HPD tells News 12 that while the current issues are priorities for the area, a fully detailed plan for the next step of redevelopment will be released later this year.

In a statement to News 12, Council Member Chris Banks said in part, “This vision is about listening to residents and addressing their concerns directly. Whether it’s reliable sewers to prevent flooding, safer streets for our children, or access to new housing opportunities, we are working to make sure the Jewel Street area is no longer left behind.”