To address rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and storm surge threats at Shorefront Park, the Village of Patchogue partnered with VHB to replace a deteriorating bulkhead with a resilient, living shoreline—the largest permitted in New York State to date.
Guided by a detailed wave climate analysis, the design integrates native vegetation, salt marshes, and bioretention basins with strategically placed rock sills engineered to dissipate wave energy, allow tidal flow, and withstand a 50-year storm.
VHB has supported the project by managing permitting requirements, securing grant funding, and providing ongoing monitoring to deliver a solution that balances ecological restoration with structural protection.
Spanning more than 1,300 feet, the shoreline mitigates flooding, improves water quality, enhances public access, and restores habitat for fish and shellfish. New features also include a walking trail, pedestrian bridges, and a kayak launch. By blending environmental sensitivity with technical precision, the effort offers a sustainable model for future waterfront resilience.
