The Town of Greenwich's Island oasis, otherwise known as Island Beach, won't be open to residents until the end of June.
The Department of Parks and Recreation announced Friday that Island Beach is expected to open Friday, June 28. Crews continue the reconstruction of the dock, ramps, concrete sea walls and walkways which were destroyed during Superstorm Sandy last October. It will cost an estimated $1.7 million to rebuild the island's infrastructure—costs that are expected to be covered by insurance and FEMA.
According to Parks and Recreation Director Joseph Siciliano, “The delay in the completion of the Island Beach project is due to the demand and backlog in the delivery of structural timbers, decking and a custom aluminum ramp necessary to complete the work. Mohawk Northeast Inc. the Town’s Marine Contractor, has been proactively working to procure the needed materials for completion.”
Typically, Island Beach and Great Captain's Island open for the season on the second Saturday each June. However, last November, when town officials surveyed the damage to the island, there was concern whether the three-acre island would be open at all this summer.
Great Captain's Island will open June 8, as previously scheduled.
The Parks Department will provide ferry rides around the harbor departing from the Arch Street Dock following the posted Island Beach ferry schedule to give passengers a glimpse of Island Beach and the ongoing construction at no cost to residents with a valid 2013 Park Pass. Parking and ferry fees apply to all others.
In December of 2012, Roberge Associates Coastal Engineers completed a damage assessment report as the first step in identifying the extent of damage and funding necessary to restore the town’s facilities. The RTM approved the funding in January.
A contract was issued to Mohawk Northeast on March 22 and work began a short time later. According to Siciliano, the town's marine and facility personnel have been working in conjunction with Mohawk. “They have been working on site 6 days per week for 10 weeks,” Siciliano said.
A meeting with Parks and Recreation personnel and representatives from Mohawk Northeast and Roberge Associates took place to address the back order of materials and to determine a revised schedule of completion. “The only way for this project to move faster is to get the materials in our hands for installation, Siciliano said”.
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