Montauk Pioneer - November 21, 2008 - Concerns About Erosion

As the Town of East Hampton is struggling to get its financial house in order, the Town Planning Board was meeting in Montauk. They were seeking input on what the town can do to make things better in terms of long and short range planning. Montauk locals slowly arrived for the Thursday meeting, which gathered at the Montauk Fire House at 6:30 p.m.

Under the direction of East Hampton Town Planning Director Marguerite Wolffsohn, the meeting was called to order. Aiding the director was Principal Planner Tara Powers, along with Town Engineer Thomas D. Talmage. Also assisting was Jo Anne Pahwul, the Assistant Planning Director, and Maureen Ryan also of the planning department. Director of Housing Thomas Ruhle and Eric Schantz of the Town Health Department shared their expertise manning the 5 stations set up. Town Board member Julia Prince also attended.

The number one concern for all who showed up was beach erosion or as one fellow repeated, "If we don't do anything, one storm will come by and wipe out downtown, making the rest of these plans irrelevant."

The quagmire is that the ocean, which made all who own business's in Montauk successful, threatens to take it all away with one Katrina-like storm. Huddled around the table that was labeled "Recreation Parks and Drainage," the residents were lead by John Keeshan, Montauks Chamber of Commerce's 2008 Person of the Year. The soft spoken but well informed Mr. Keeshan was direct and poignant. Ms. Wolffsohn expressed that she heard what was being said. Everyone at the table realized the cost of all ideas to restrain the ocean, get more sand, and have sand bags readily available and build structures that are needed. The fact that the town finances are stretched has made all of these requests difficult, thus the quagmire. The thought that even a severe Nor'easter could cause fatal damage to the Town of Montauk as we know it was sobering. Laraine Creegan, Director of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, was all over this issue saying something must be done soon. At the "Parking, Alleys and Public Transportation" table, Tara Powers listened to plans to increase beach parking legally in town as well as perhaps a beach shuttle, which was discussed. Finding more legal parking will only assist in keeping visitors in town. Ms. Powers stressed the importance of keeping the alleys open for fire department access.

At the "Sidewalks and Traffic" station Ms. Pahwul said the issues discussed were, "Free parking at Nick's Beach and perhaps a small beach boardwalk there."

With Eric Schantz and Tom Ruhle manning the "Motels, Housing and Business" station the issues were affordable housing for seasonal workers and year round employees as well as the difficulty to do timely renovations on old buildings. At the "Design and Architecture" station, Maureen Ryan of the Planning Department stressed the integrity of the town's appearance hoping to foster more of the Carl Fisher Era look for downtown. Ideas were discussed about future building with limits to the creative process and within the borders of good taste and legality.

The night was the East Hampton Town government and Montauk hamlet residents communicating about what Montauk needs, what are its ills and where the town should move.

Ms. Wolffsohn had stressed that this sort of meeting was to be held in all the hamlets of the Town of East Hampton. Her report may help get grants and may assist decisions made by the Town Board that commission the process. Ms. Wolffsohn said all the ideas of all the hamlets would be discussed at a meeting of the planning board. At this time a document will be drafted and be presented to residents.

The town staff worked tirelessly to answer all questions. They listened to all suggestions and made notes throughout the evening. It was the best of town democracy at work. It is what small town America has to offer in being able to participate in decision making and making a difference.

One thing is for sure, there is a fear that a big storm could impair the wonderful way of life the residents enjoy living in Montauk and perhaps something must be done in a big way soon because of the village's heart being so close to the daily breaking ocean waves.

At the end of the meeting, when asked for a comment, Ms. Wolffsohn said, " I was happy with the turnout. We got lots of great comments and now we will list the priorities, and come back with the draft resolutions."