Max Sullivan, Portsmouth Herald
Updated ·4 min read
YORK, Maine — Storm damage has severely wiped away much of the historic Cliff Walk, and the Selectboard is now considering a repair plan that could cost more than half a million dollars.
The Cliff Walk, stretching north along the coast from York Harbor’s Reading Room, has endured storm damage in the past. However, the Selectboard learned Monday, July 29, the two consecutive storms in January caused unprecedented damage to the path.
Now, the Selectboard is hiring an engineer to provide the full cost of repairing the cliff walk, 407 feet of which is significantly damaged, according to Assistant Town Manager Kathryn Lagasse. She said the work could cost upwards of $500,000.
Board members will decide whether the historic status of the path warrants the costly repairs. The path has been controversial, as it crosses private property in some areas. Advocates for its preservation compare it to Ogunquit’s renowned Marginal Way and other coastal paths.
“My desire would be to maintain it, keep it the way it is in perpetuity,” Selectboard Chair Todd Frederick said. “But let’s get answers to all the questions.”
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Cliff Walk, a tourist attraction for over a century
The Cliff Walk, according to Cliff Walk Committee Chair Robert Gordon’s history, originally went from the harbor around Eastern Point, past Cow Beach, and on to Lobster Cove near Long Sands. It became popular with summer visitors starting in the 1880s and even appeared in postcards like one found in 1910, according to Gordon.
The Cliff Walk’s full two-mile stretch has been impeded over time by private property owners blocking off sections that run through their oceanfront land. Portions of the path have already gone missing from storm damage. Today, less than a mile remains open to the public.
Lagasse told the Selectboard the recent storms caused at least five times more damage than the last major storm that required repairs. She noted the town spent approximately $100,000 on repairs to the Cliff Walk after it was severely damaged by a storm in 2018.
She said this year’s damage is in nine locations along 407 feet of path. Lagasse also said the damage this year was more significant behind the seawall, and a lot of the private property that abuts the walk has washed away.
“It’s significantly more,” Lagasse said.
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Cliff Walk advocates push to repair historic path
Several residents closely monitor the Cliff Walk and have urged the town to take greater action to preserve the path. Their appeals include advocating for public access through sections of private property, although this has not been a recent priority for the Selectboard.
Jim Smith, one resident passionate about preserving the Cliff Walk, said he hopes the board will pay to repair the damage to the path.
“It’s an iconic part of the harbor, and I think it's well-used by residents in the offseason,” Smith said. “The residents of York get a lot of use out of it, and the access at this point has become more and more limited.”
Board members said they remain undecided on whether the work to repair the Cliff Walk is worth it. Board member Marla Johnson questioned whether they should pay for work that could be undone by another future storm.
“Maybe we should let Mother Nature take its course,” Johnson said. “I think it’s going to happen over and over again.”
Selectboard member Marylin McLaughlin said she felt similarly. She also said she would like to hear from private property owners along the Cliff Walk, none of whom have been in contact with the town regarding the damage, according to Lagasse. She also said any work on private property would require easem*nts.
Selectboard member Robert Palmer said he still needs to see the price tag from the engineer before he decides whether to support fixing the Cliff Walk. He said the historical relevance of the path makes it worth at least investigating.
“I think we’re a town that cares deeply about our history, a very rich history,” Palmer said. “I’m willing to fight for that, I think. History’s important.”
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This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York, Maine Cliff Walk in jeopardy: Leaders weigh costly repairs
