I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent decision to seek $1 million initial grant as part of a $7 million project to construct a seawall around the Metro-North train station parking lot in Croton-on-Hudson.
This significant infrastructure project, which directly impacts our local environment and public tax dollars, has been advanced with a troubling lack of public debate, transparency, or community discussion. I became knowledgeable of this grant application in a meeting held on September 3 at the municipal building when it was included in the presentation associated with the New York Forward grant request. The parking lot sits immediately adjacent to critical wetlands that face regular tidal flooding from the Hudson River—a challenge that will only intensify as sea levels continue to rise. We are hurdling towards a new normal by 2050. That will bring the daily baseline high tides on the Croton River permanently about 16 to 24 inches higher than they are today. Episodic events, like storm surges or heavy freshwater runoff from the northern Hudson Valley will build on top of these elevated base lines leading to more frequent and severe flooding in the parking lot. Building a massive seawall in this delicate ecosystem could have severe, unintended consequences for local biodiversity and water displacement. Yet, there has been absolutely no public exploration of alternatives. The MTA‘s core plan for this threat for the Metro North Railroad involves the Hudson line climate resilience blueprint, a multimillion dollar initiative designed specifically to address tidal rise, storm surges, and intense stormwater runoff along the riverbank between Riverdale and Croton Harmon. This plan involves physically elevating the tracks above the projected flood stages of the river and maintaining living shore lines to absorb title energy. Why are we not coordinating our efforts with the MTA?
It appears that the existing solar panel initiative in the parking lot is driving this decision. By treating the solar structures as an asset that must be protected at all costs, the Village appears willing to compromise the surrounding natural ecosystem rather than exploring adaptive alternatives. If the solar canopies are the primary anchor driving this multi-million dollar project, we must ask whether armored gray concrete infrastructure is truly a cost-effective, long-term solution or simply a shortsighted fix to protect a localized investment.
Instead of rushing to build a barrier that could alter local hydrology, increase erosion elsewhere, and disrupt critical wetland habitats, the Village of Croton-on-Hudson should pause this process. We need a comprehensive, transparent review that prioritizes nature-based solutions—such as living shorelines or strategic relocation of vulnerable infrastructure—in lockstep with regional efforts like the MTA’s blueprint.
I urge the Village Board and the NY Forward Local Planning Committee to hold dedicated, transparent community forums specifically regarding the train station parking lot's climate adaptation. Our response to sea-level rise must be collaborative, ecologically sound, and subject to robust public oversight.
John McKeon
It appears that the existing solar panel initiative in the parking lot is driving this decision. By treating the solar structures as an asset that must be protected at all costs, the Village appears willing to compromise the surrounding natural ecosystem rather than exploring adaptive alternatives. If the solar canopies are the primary anchor driving this multi-million dollar project, we must ask whether armored gray concrete infrastructure is truly a cost-effective, long-term solution or simply a shortsighted fix to protect a localized investment.
Instead of rushing to build a barrier that could alter local hydrology, increase erosion elsewhere, and disrupt critical wetland habitats, the Village of Croton-on-Hudson should pause this process. We need a comprehensive, transparent review that prioritizes nature-based solutions—such as living shorelines or strategic relocation of vulnerable infrastructure—in lockstep with regional efforts like the MTA’s blueprint.
I urge the Village Board and the NY Forward Local Planning Committee to hold dedicated, transparent community forums specifically regarding the train station parking lot's climate adaptation. Our response to sea-level rise must be collaborative, ecologically sound, and subject to robust public oversight.
John McKeon
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