Posted on October 11, 2023
On Tuesday, October 3rd, a coalition of local leaders and community representatives joined forces at Davis Park, Fire Island, to press the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for swift action to combat beach erosion and storm-related damage that have critically impacted the oceanfront areas of Brookhaven Town.
Supervisor Ed Romaine, flanked by Councilman Neil Foley and Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro, spearheaded the press conference, underscoring the urgent need to address the deteriorating condition of the island’s beaches. Among the areas grappling with the repercussions of beach erosion are Davis Park, Ocean Bay Park, Point O’Woods, Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, and Water Island.
In a recent plea addressed to US Senator Charles Schumer, Supervisor Romaine emphasized the dire consequences of inaction.
“Failure to act immediately will be detrimental to all of the Brookhaven communities not included in the current scope of work,” he said.
The press conference drew a crowd of approximately 50 attendees, including concerned residents from Davis Park and neighboring Fire Island communities. The central message of the gathering was the island’s intrinsic vulnerability and its crucial role in protecting the mainland during severe storms and hurricanes.
Supervisor Romaine called upon the US Army Corps of Engineers, currently engaged in beach restoration projects to the west of Brookhaven Town, to extend their efforts eastward, emphasizing the urgency of “preserving our beaches and safeguarding Fire Island.”
Councilman Neil Foley emphasized the life-saving importance of dunes during storms.
“It is not a cosmetic issue, it is a safety issue. Dunes save lives during storms. Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Governor Hochul, we need your help,” Foley said.
The event also provided a platform for community leaders to voice their concerns. Henry Robin, president of the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association, and Jayne Robinson, president of the Davis Park Civic Association, both stressed the gravity of the situation and urged immediate action.
The call to action at Davis Park, Fire Island, serves as a reminder of the critical need to address beach erosion and storm damage to ensure the resilience and safety of Brookhaven Town’s oceanfront communities. Local officials, alongside concerned residents, are awaiting a response from the US Army Corps of Engineers and Federal representatives.
Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro further reinforced the significance of the initiative.
“This is not only for the protection of lives on Fire Island; we need to protect the residents of the south shore of Long Island,” he said.
