Assemblymember Phillip Goldfeder is seeking community input and calling for a public hearing on the projected maintenance dredging in the East Rockaway Inlet. The public hearing would involve key stakeholders, including residents, local businesses and community organizations.
“The potential for new sand on our beaches is welcomed news to our community,” Goldfeder said. “Our beaches got hit badly by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee,” he said. “The damage has left our community in desperate need of help. We should be doing everything possible to restore our beaches, not only for our local families but for the thousands of tourists that come to enjoy the very best beaches in New York City and the local businesses who depend on them.”
The project will potentially be carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is expected to involve the removal of approximately 240,000 cubic yards of sand from the East Rockaway Inlet, Goldfeder said. The removed sand would then be available for placement along the Rockaway Beach shoreline.
The new sand would only be a temporary resolution, Goldfeder said, adding that he was still urging the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite their studies and examine the possibility of installing rock jetties.
