The recently announced plans for a large seven-story, luxury, multifamily housing complex to be built on the edge of Hempstead Harbor in Port Washington should be deeply concerning to everyone. It will increase the burden on our increasingly fragile water source, escalate the demand on our energy grid, contaminate essential habitats and eco-systems and exacerbate climate-related impacts. This proposal is a stark reminder of our obligation to future generations and demands that we take action to preserve and revitalize the open spaces we have left.

The developer proposes to build at 145 West Shore Road and transform the two-acre property into a “cleaner, greener destination” and “maximize its potential.” Their marketing firm has also placed ads in our local papers promising a “harborside haven for all of Port Washington to enjoy,” a public marina with 20-30 boat slips and a 300-foot educational “viewing pier” with programming “for public, family-friendly events.”

In addition, they have promised a four-wheel-drive ambulance for the Port Washington Fire Department, a toilet at Port Rowing’s nearby boat house, shuttle service to the PW LIRR station, and unbelievably (at least to those of us with an elementary knowledge of habitats) a claim that more birds will be attracted to the site as well as monarch butterflies. This is greenwashing at its finest. (Greenwashing definition – “a form of advertising or marketing spin which is deceptively used to persuade the public that an organization’s aims are environmentally friendly.”)

All of these proposed amenities and promises seem to have been developed to deflect attention from the well-established risks of such a large-scale structure to our fragile environment and resources.

Let’s talk about the location. Shoreline communities around the world are paying close attention to the realities of climate change, including sea level rise and an increase in severe storms which may lead to catastrophic flooding and serious damage to docks and marinas, as well as waterfront buildings. Boat slips (unless they are limited only to sailboats) require infrastructure to support fueling, maintenance and possibly pump out stations. Gasoline and oil are common spills in marinas and can wreak havoc in wetlands, which are essential for aquatic species and shore birds for breeding, feeding and shelter.

Speaking of wetlands, this proposed project happens to be located in one of the last remaining pieces of natural wetland habitat in the area, a place where birds, including eagles, are frequent visitors. In addition, these dwindling areas are nature’s own buffer against rising sea levels and storm surges and provide a natural surface for carbon sequestration.

This summer the Port Washington Water District has been communicating with the public about conservation of water. Their message is that the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has estimated that Port Washington’s pumpage amounts may be surpassing Nassau County’s permissible yields by 15 percent. On their website it states, “If the District continues pumping at current levels, it will be jeopardizing the future sustainability of the peninsula’s water supply by introducing the irreversible effects of saltwater intrusion.”

Once a well has been contaminated with saltwater from our surrounding waters, it will never again be operational as a drinking water source.

A complex of that size will require voluminous amounts of water, with each of the 176 units having multiple sinks, toilets, tubs or showers and washing machines, and the landscape will surely be outfitted with a programmed sprinkler system. And then there is the wastewater generated that will add prodigious amounts of concerning chemicals that come from household cleaning products, laundry and personal care products and pharmaceuticals.

Among those are the emerging threats to our water from PFAS and 1,4-dioxane, EPA priority chemicals of concern which are commonly found in wastewater from households and have created a serious dilemma for water suppliers across the country. These and other emerging contaminants can cause a range of health effects even at very low levels, including endocrine-disruption and cancer. Long Island, with its total reliance on ground water, is particularly vulnerable.

There should also be concerns about pollution that is common to the built environment, including the impact of runoff from non-permeable paving or hardscapes, the high intensity LED lighting that will be required for safety in large public areas, and the impact of chemicals used for regular maintenance, including the use of pesticides and high nitrogen fertilizers used on grounds. As with all large buildings containing multiple windows that obstruct an open flyway, birds can be injured or die from flying into them. Only attacks from cats kills more birds than colliding with a window.

And pollution is always a problem during construction of a project of this size, when dust and diesel exhaust from big construction equipment fills the air and creates a noise problem for the surrounding area. The building will require a lot of cement, so keep in mind the cement industry is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Many other materials used in construction, from paint and caulking materials to insulation, plywood, roofing and flooring, contain chemicals that can be toxic, not only to humans but to our fragile waterfront ecosystem.

Those opposing this development also speak about increased traffic, especially through the quiet streets of Beacon Hill, and the numerous variances that the developer must seek to comply with existing building codes. They are also concerned about policies governing growth and development that are sensitive to protecting the community’s valuable natural assets as well as quality of life for all residents. As they point out, Port Washington is already struggling with overcapacity in schools and on roadways. These educated and concerned citizens have a strong and caring voice which I hope will be heard.

One only needs to look across the harbor to see a similar development in Glenwood Landing to understand what could happen to our shoreline and unfortunately set a precedent.