East Hampton Town is seeking a coastal morphologist to consult with the town to provide “the most effective short and long-term solutions” to help residents of Ditch Plain in Montauk mitigate storm surge inundation, Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said on Tuesday.
The coastal expert will collaborate on a restoration plan for the coming summer season, the supervisor said in an email. “We are hiring a surveyor to survey the beach profile,” she said, “which will help determine how much sand we will need. We are working on additional short-term solutions, including sand fencing and the placement of sand barriers at Otis Avenue in preparation for storms.”
An amendment to the town code for an expedited permit and review process is being drafted, Ms. Burke-Gonzalez said, “so that residents in low-lying areas will be able to raise their houses to the FEMA-approved flood level elevations without having to go through a lengthy variance submission process.”
The supervisor’s announcement followed last week’s town board meeting that saw a discussion of the need to assess the beach profile conditions at Ditch Plain and determine the course of action to restore it to a healthy level. That discussion followed storms that have badly eroded the dune, leaving the beach in poor condition and the residential neighborhood vulnerable to flooding.
The Ditch Plains Association, a group including property owners and renters, has conferred with coastal experts and heard recommendations regarding erosion, coastal processes, and storm impacts, and is investigating the sourcing of sand for a potential privately funded emergency stabilization effort.
Ms. Burke-Gonzalez said at the town board’s Jan. 23 meeting that the board would authorize by resolution the hiring of a surveyor as soon as possible. The board will meet today at 6 p.m. In her email on Tuesday, she reiterated that residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts for storm preparedness on the town’s website.
