YORK, Maine – Storm damage has destroyed large portions of the historic Cliff Walk, and the Selectboard is considering a repair plan that could cost more than half a million dollars.
The Cliff Walk, which stretches north along the shore from the Reading Room in York Harbor, has been damaged by storms in the past, but as the Selectboard learned on Monday, July 29, two back-to-back storms in January caused unprecedented damage to the trail.
Now the Selectboard is hiring an engineer to cover the entire cost of repairing the cliff path, 407 feet of which are significantly damaged, according to Assistant City Manager Kathryn Lagasse. She said the work could cost more than $500,000.
Committee members will decide whether the trail’s historic status justifies the costly repairs. The trail is controversial because it crosses private property in some areas. Supporters of its preservation compare it to the famous Marginal Way in Ogunquit and other coastal trails.
“My wish would be to maintain it and keep it as it is forever,” said Selectboard Chairman Todd Frederick. “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 originally, according to the story told by Cliff Walk Committee Chair Robert Gordon, ran from the harbor around Eastern Point, past Cow Beach and on to Lobster Cove near Long Sands. Starting in the 1880s, it became popular with summer visitors and even appeared on postcards, like one from 1910, Gordon said.
The Cliff Walk has been blocked for its entire two-mile stretch over time by private landowners who have cordoned off sections that run through their coastal areas. Parts of the path have already disappeared due to storm damage. Today, less than a mile of it is open to the public.
Lagasse told the Selectboard that recent storms have caused at least five times more damage than the last major storm that required repairs. She noted that the city spent about $100,000 on repairs to Cliff Walk after it was severely damaged by a storm in 2018.
She said this year’s damage occurred in nine locations along a 400-foot-long trail. Lagasse also said this year’s damage was more extensive behind the seawall and many private properties bordering the trail were washed away.
“It’s significantly more,” said Lagasse.
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Cliff Walk advocates push for repair of historic trail
Several residents are keeping a close eye on the Cliff Walk and have urged the city to do more to preserve the trail, including advocating for the trail to be open to the public through portions of private property, although that has not been a recent priority for the Selectboard.
Jim Smith, a local resident who is passionate about preserving the Cliff Walk, expressed hope that the board would cover the costs of repairing the damage to the path.
“It’s an iconic part of the harbour and I think it’s well used by local residents out of season,” Smith said. “York residents use it very frequently and access at this point is becoming increasingly restricted.”
Board members said they are still undecided on whether the repair work on Cliff Walk is worth it. Board member Marla Johnson questioned whether they should pay for work that could be undone by another storm in the future.
“Maybe we should let Mother Nature take her course,” Johnson said. “I think this will keep happening.”
Selectboard member Marylin McLaughlin said she felt the same way. She also said she would like to hear from private property owners along Cliff Walk, none of whom Lagasse said have contacted the city about the damage. She also said easements are required for any work on private property.
Selectboard member Robert Palmer said he still needs to see the engineer’s price before deciding whether to support repairing the Cliff Walk. He said the trail’s historical relevance makes it at least worth investigating.
“I think we’re a city that cares deeply about our history, a very rich history,” Palmer said. “I think I’m willing to fight for that. History is important.”
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