Islip Moving Forward With Post-Sandy Beach, Marina Repairs

Islip Town officials are taking steps to fix the Town's beaches and marinas that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

The Town Board approved contracts totalling more than $2 million for assessment and repair of beaches, docks and marinas.

One contract is going to Gibson & Cushman Contracting, based in Port-Jefferson, for $1.9 million in repairs and improvements to Atlantique Beach & Marina on Fire Island.

Under the contract, the company will remove and replace 530-feet of the marina's bulkhead, replacing the decking and perform repairs to the facilities' existing water and electrical systems.

In addition to repairs, the Town will be installing a new 50 amp power post equipped with wireless meters, new dock lighting in the area of a new boardwalk and new 600 amp service panel on the east side of Atlantique's marina to service the eastern docks. An ADA complaint ramp will be constructed to allow handicapped access to the beach.

The Town Board also approved a contract with L.K. McLean Engineering for various underwater assessment of Islip's 15 marinas, beaches and boat ramps. The contract is worth $53,205.

Ingz Birbiglia, Town spokesperson, told Patch on Feb. 4 officials need to be assured that there is no dangerous debris such as nails or splintered wood in the sand or shallow bathing areas of the beaches before opening up on Memorial Day Weekend.

L.K. McLean will use specialized equipment to perform engineering and surveying of these underwater areas and make sure navigable waters within the marinas and channels are safe.

Town officials said early estimates have placed the cost of more than half of the storm's $50 million price tag. The Town Board previous approved a $2.5 million contract for clean up and repair of East Islip Marina in hopes of having it open for residents by this summer.