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Designers present $3.5 million conceptual plan for Sheldrake Greenway
Summary
Design consultants and New York Sea Grant outlined a half‑mile Phase 1 of a proposed Mamaroneck/Sheldrake Greenway focusing on flood mitigation, connectivity, recreation and long‑term stewardship, with three priority sites and a Phase 1 cost estimate of about $3.5 million.
Designers presented a conceptual plan on Sept. 29 for Phase 1 of a proposed Mamaroneck (Sheldrake) Greenway, a roughly half‑mile stretch intended to be the first segment of an over‑three‑mile villagewide corridor.
Kate DeHayes, chair of the Committee for the Environment, introduced the project and New York Sea Grant staff who helped secure planning support. Sarah Howell of New York Sea Grant said the village was one of 15 communities awarded technical support through the Long Island Sound resilience planning program and that the partnership can also help with grant writing.
A consultant from Assemblage outlined four design goals: create a flood‑absorbing greenway, restore continuous connectivity along the Sheldrake River, provide space for recreation and education, and establish long‑term governance for maintenance. The team described nature‑based and built options to reduce flooding and erosion — including floodbenching to widen the channel, stone scour gardens in high‑velocity areas, bioretention planting, and bioengineering to stabilize banks — and said those techniques are sprinkled throughout the concept plan.
The presentation identified three priority sites for Phase 1: Salt Shed Park (where the plan would reduce salt intrusion and stabilize eroding outfalls), Ogden Park (behind commercial properties, a low point with large runoff volumes), and the Rocklyn Bird Walk (a larger, undeveloped parcel targeted for floodplain reconnection and forest‑marsh restoration). The Assemblage presenter said Phase 1 is estimated at approximately $3,500,000 and suggested the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation green resiliency grant program as a competitive funding source.
Trustees asked about related funded items and next steps; presenters noted two crosswalk designs funded by a separate New York State Parks grant and offered closer support on grant pursuit and technical questions. New York Sea Grant also offered a grant‑writing assistance program to support any future applications.
The project drew praise from local residents during public comment for its combined flood‑mitigation and recreational benefits, and trustees indicated continuing work with staff on funding and outreach. The committee plans to post the full concept plan on its web page for public review.
