Cherry Grove Dock to Undergo $2.9 Million Renovation

Brookhaven town officials have revealed a nearly $3 million renovation of Fire Island’s Cherry Grove dock, paid for by a 16.7% tax increase on homeowners living in the Cherry Grove Dock District. The renovations will begin after Labor Day and officials aim for the project to be completed by next summer’s Fourth of July celebrations.

The Cherry Grove dock suffered from regular wear and tear over time, but a storm on Oct. 29 worsened the damage. Construction is needed for the overall safety of Fire Island residents and summer visitors.

“Although it is expensive, we do support the proposed costs and the 20-year bond period,” Diane Romano, president of the Cherry Grove Community Association, and Gerri Losquadro, president of Cherry Grove Property Owners, explained in a letter to Brookhaven town officials. “It has been in deteriorating condition for at least the past four years and presents a safety hazard for all who must use it.”

Town officials had originally proposed the construction of a transit shelter and suggested boaters should park perpendicular to the dock instead of parallel, however, residents were unhappy with these propositions and officials removed it from the rebuilding plan.

The Cherry Grove dock is the Fire Island community’s only public transportation hub. Residents meet on the dock nightly to watch the sunset, and it lends itself as an unofficial public square for residents and summer visitors.

After taking the Fire Island ferry over, we invite you to visit William J. Newman Realty. We have serviced Fire Island’s western communities since 1969 and offer the experience and professionalism to meet all real estate needs for people who want to take the Fire Island ferries over and stay on the Island for a few days or for the entire summer! We specialize in rentals from Fair Harbor to Dunewood, Lonelyville, and Saltaire.