Lawmakers steamed over rumored beach closures
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Officials joined in concern over the closure of nearly 30 blocks of Rockaway Beach this summer as part of ongoing construction by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to bolster resilience. Photo courtesy of USACE
By Rachel Vick
Beach lovers across Queens were left wondering about the fate of a stretch of the borough’s beloved Rockaway coast following rumors of temporary summer closures of more than 20 blocks of shore to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to make headway on resilience efforts.
Reports Tuesday alleged that Beach 90th to Beach 116th will be closed weekdays from Memorial Day weekend through July to allow for construction, sparking concern for the impact on both recreation and businesses.
Councilmember Joann Ariola, State Sen. Joe Addabbo and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato wrote they “were led to believe there was a plan in place… that would not interfere with the flow of business in the area.”
Along the proposed strip are a number of boardwalk businesses and street entrances connecting beachgoers to local businesses. The lawmakers fear the businesses will suffer economic consequences should the beach be closed intermittently during its busy season.
“While we understand that sometimes there are setbacks when it comes to any construction project, in no way should the Rockaway community and its businesses suffer by the closing
of such a large stretch of beach throughout the entire summer,” they said. “We strongly urge that actions be taken to intervene on behalf of our constituents, to either postpone or develop a plan where construction can continue on the groins without disrupting these vital areas until after the beach season has ended.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is gearing up to work on the beach’s groins — perpendicular stone structures similar to a jetty — which are intended to slow the drift of sand in areas with strong currents along the shoreline.
There are 14 new structures being built on the beach; the first phase of the project began in 2020 and is expected to be completed summer of 2024. According to the USACE, beaches are usually closed in 500-foot sections during construction, and earlier work was completed during the off-season.
Parks Department Spokesperson Dan Kastanis said the closures are not yet official and that the departments are still working to finalize a plan.
“The Army Corps is doing good work that is responsive to decades of local requests for new groins and replenished beaches,” Kastanis said. “That work is ongoing.
Michael Embrich, the deputy chief of public affairs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, said that while the agency is responsible for the work, the ultimate authority lies with the city.
“The Corps is willing to be as flexible as possible with work schedules to ensure that the work does not pose any safety concerns for beachgoers,” Embrich said. “The City of New York will have final say on any potential beach closures, as they are responsible for New York City beaches.”
A second contract focused on reinforcing dune construction and pedestrian beach crossovers is expected to begin in 2023.
