Two Dozen Fire Island Home Demolitions Begin for Dune-Building Project

The dune-building project on a portion of Fire Island has commenced after a extensive delay. Bulldozers arrived to demolish two dozen oceanfront homes in Ocean Bay Park, Davis Park and Fire Island Pines. The dunes are being restored due to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy back in 2012, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says they will be used to protect the barrier island from ocean flooding.

The controversial dune rebuilding project was proposed in 2013 and most of it was expected to be completed by 2016. However, winter storms, over booked dredgers and the long process for homeowners to sell their houses or accept buyouts delayed the project.

When completed, the project will restore miles of protective dunes. The National Park Service and New York State had to approve the initial $207 million plan, designed and paid for by the Army Corps of Engineers, but it has since risen to $280 million.

Critics say the expensive dune-building project should instead be part of the proposed $1.2 billion Fire Island to Montauk Point Project, which would protect 83 miles of Long Island’s south shore when approved. The Army Corps spokesman said the project will likely be approved this summer.

A relocation contract still needs to be approved for decks, pools, ramps and dune crossovers that have to be either relocated or demolished. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Army Corps’ project partner, said the dune project’s end date will depend on the completion of demolitions and house relocations.

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.