Storms Causing Crisis At Overlook Beach: Babylon Supervisor

BABYLON, NY — Wednesday's storm caused a great deal of damage along the south coast, and given another imminent storm, Babylon town officials are worried.

"We are closely watching the forecast for another coastal storm this weekend," Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer told Patch Thursday morning. "Many residents along the coast are dealing with flooding from Wednesday’s storm and we almost lost a playground to the ocean at Overlook Beach. Another storm right on its heels is very concerning."

He subsequently announced a news briefing on the beach to take place at 10 a.m. Friday.

In light of the devastating impacts of all the recent storms, Schaffer wants the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to include the beach in its upcoming beach erosion control dredging project.

The sand at Overlook Beach was last replaced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers a decade ago, prompting vulnerability to recent storms, town officials said in the announcement. The beach pavilion and playground are currently in danger of being washed out to sea as a result of the mean high tide of Overlook Beach now existing within 120 feet of these structures.

The beach is enjoyed by thousands of Town of Babylon residents each year, they said; action is needed if Long Islanders will be able to enjoy it in the future.

Local and county officials, including Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer’s office are also expected at the news briefing to the urgency of the call to action.