Governor Hochul’s Visit and $7.7 Million for Baxter Beach Remediation
To the Residents of Baxter Estates,
Mayor Nora Haagenson has been fighting a long and hard battle for over 10 years for the restoration of Baxter Beach. Remediation of our Beach is no easy task. Erosion has badly undermined the sidewalk and the infrastructure. New York State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti, Nassau County Legislator Delia DiRiggi-Whitton, North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte, and Stevens Martinez and Angel Vasquez from the Govenor’s Office, have been championing the cause on our behalf of Baxter Estates. However, for some time it seemed their efforts were futile as it felt like we were always taking three steps forward and two steps back.
On July 16, 2024, with the Board of Trustees and our advocates present, Governor Kathy Hochul visited our Village Hall and presented us with an very generous grant of $7.7 million dedicated to the remediation and restoration of Baxter Beach.
“Long Islanders understand how quickly a rainy day can turn into flooded neighborhoods,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will help Port Washington make critical infrastructure improvements and build a resilient community that can withstand the increased frequency of extreme weather events.”
Her press release stated that “the vanishing shoreline at Baxter Beach not only has significant impacts on plant and marine life, habitat and beach loss, but substantial flooding can immobilize tens of thousands of residents. During heavy rainfall and flooding events, residents are often trapped due to flooding on Shore Road.
“The $7.7 million will be used to mitigate coastal erosion and flooding and improve pedestrian connectivity. The proposed construction includes a porous asphalt walk, a rock sill, … and tidal planting to prevent flooding and erosion. Elevated overlook walkways, upper shoreline landscaping, benches, … and energy efficient lighting will also be built to improve the shoreline for all residents.”
The degradation of the waterfront, and Shore Road behind it, is a disaster waiting to happen and we are grateful that New York State and Governor Hochul heard the Mayor’s many call for help. The project will connect Baxter Estates to the Baywalk, creating a raised walkway along Baxter Beach, making it a safer route for pedestrians to travel along, a more beautiful spot for people to enjoy, and most importantly, the stabilization of our Beach.
As with anything this substantial, the project will take time and we invite to you stay tuned for future emails and updates.
We thank Governor Kathy Hochul
