(BAXTER ESTATES, N.Y.) – Nassau County’s Department of Public Works is proceeding with applications for permits to dredge Baxter’s Pond, officials confirmed during a recent meeting with Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove).
Dredging the pond will represent another important step forward in a series of improvements to the pond, which is located within the County’s Barbara Johnson Memorial Park and Preserve, and neighboring County infrastructure. This spring, Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton delivered capital resources for new sidewalks at the park, and earlier secured funds to install paver walkways and new lighting.
Across the street from Baxter Pond, major repairs to the Baxter Estates seawall are continuing. The Village of Baxter Estates received a $7.7 million grant from New York Governor Kathy Hochul in support of the project, which is necessary for preventing beach erosion and securing the integrity of Shore Road.
“We’re thrilled by the news that Nassau County is moving forward with plans to dredge Baxter’s Pond, which has long been a top priority for the Baxter’s Pond Foundation,” said Kim Keiserman, co-President of the Baxter’s Pond Foundation. “The main Pond has not been cleaned out for decades, and its depth is reduced to just a few inches in many areas. Dredging will greatly improve the Pond’s capacity to accommodate storm runoff, its water quality, its ecosystem, and its appearance. We’re very grateful for Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton’s persistent and sustained advocacy for this project and for all of the needs of this beautiful Pond and Park.”
“By working collaboratively, Nassau County, our partners in government, and local community organizations are making tremendous progress toward the completion of improvements that will secure Shore Road, address persistent flooding issues, and improve our overall quality of life,” Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton said. “Dredging Baxter Pond will make our communities safer and protect a cherished North Shore ecological gem for all of us to enjoy.”