Fire Island National Seashore Superintendent, Alex Romero, Outlines Goals for 2019

Fire Island National Seashore Superintendent, Alex Romero, who started his new position three months ago, is giving Fire Island residents an update on his plans for 2019.

As Superintendent, Romero oversees 40 year-round employees and 75 summer employees on Fire Island, as well as the 300 residents who live on the barrier island year-round and 30,000 in the summer months. Among his goals to better serve residents, employees and summer visitors alike, Romero said he will strive to be more financially responsible with the limited resources provided, upgrade visitor centers and get more familiar with local delegations.

In addition, Romero said a big goal for the new year is to change the lengthy off-road vehicle permit issue. “Right now the permitting process is so complicated. There are so many different rules; at just three months in, it’s impossible to explain,” he told Long Island Advance. “We need to streamline the process.”

Another goal as Fire Island National Seashore Superintendent is to review vulnerability studies for possible flooding and erosion, Romero said. “We need to look at what the island will be like 10 to 20 years from now,” he explained, “so that we can address and plan for the wilderness and community areas. It’s not all doom and gloom, but the reality is we need to think about this.”

One thing Romero noted about meeting with members of the Fire Island community is to their sense of pride for the island. “I found one common thread,” he said, “a love for the island. It’s just amazing to me that there is that admiration, care and support. Their feeling of ownership is remarkable.”

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.