The inexorable rise of seawater levels due to climate change poses a long-term threat to Long Island’s future, especially along its fragile shoreline. Some local leaders may believe this problem, already staring them in the face, is not something they need to deal with now. At least not until the water is at the doorstep or another intense weather event like 2012’s Superstorm Sandy comes crashing down on their neighborhood, causing millions in damages.
But responsible and farsighted leadership recognizes this growing problem and takes steps to deal with it. That’s why Glen Cove’s example in preparing for the impact of rising sea levels in the North Shore community should be followed by other Long Island municipalities.
A new report projects that large portions of the waterfront along Glen Cove Creek will face increased flooding and water damage due to rising sea levels by the year 2100. Envision the future for Glen Cove residents, according to this report prepared by a private consultant hired by city officials with state funding: “Areas that exhibit nuisance flooding or ponding now are expected to exhibit more frequent and more significant flooding in the future.”
While detailing the scope of the problem is vital, the report is particularly helpful in discussing ways to deal with it. Like many other Long Island waterfront communities, Glen Cove faces three essential approaches: retreat by moving properties too close to the waterfront and relying on natural barriers like marsh grasses; protect with physical structures like sea walls to keep out the onslaught of water; or accommodate rising sea levels by elevating buildings and improving drainage to avoid future damage.
Glen Cove currently has no plans to build costly sea walls to protect its waterfront properties. Instead, it is focused on improving drainage to avoid flooding. Most significantly, though, it now has a well-conceived plan and is discussing ways of dealing with this…
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