East Hampton Taking Over Montauk Lighthouse
By Sue Clark on Jun 12, 2009 in News 
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Action Circumvents an Old State Law
In a move designed to circumvent a state law that forbids any money going to the Montauk Historical Society, the town of East Hampton (New York) will accept responsibility for the Montauk Lighthouse in order to prevent further erosion, threatening to topple the lighthouse and buildings off the cliffs on which it stands. The work has been in the planning stages for a long time, agreements with the Army Corps of Engineers are in place for the work, funding has been procured. But the state can’t kick in its portion as a law passed in the 1940s precludes giving money to the Society.
The town started discussing this option last September, but were hesitant at the time. After pursuing other options, the town last week decided to go ahead and accept having the deed transferred over to them. As time wears on, it’s becoming more critical. The lighthouse is only fifty feet from the edge of the cliffs, and the work needs to be done now. It will probably not survive another winter. Plans are to rebuild the shoreline with new rocks, which mostly have washed away. The piece of property in question is an 800 by 100 foot strip of the oceanfront.
Questions Arise About Liability and Maintenance
As is usual with town governments, the question of liability arose, but fortunately, it was discussed and accepted. Councilman Brad Lowewen said “Given the choice of accepting liability or watching the lighthouse disappear off the bluff, I think the choice is clear, but we should seek to minimize that liability.” The council agreed to discuss any issues with their insurance agent, although some thought issues pertaining to injuries or damage to the roadway may already be covered under their policy.
A different sort of liability was brought up, however, about local groups saying it will cause environmental damage. Concerns have been brought to the board’s attention about the unintended consequences of hardening the shoreline. “That has all been analyzed,” Supervisor William McGintee said, “not only by the Army Corps of Engineers, but also the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Town Planning Department.”
The other issue was the maintenance, but the plans are to subcontract with the Historical Society to do the minimal work necessary. The Historical Society is in agreement with that plan.
Time Is Running Out
Although the Council hasn’t yet voted on taking over the property, according to a story at Hamptons.Com, it’s inevitable. All other options have run out. Waves are able to rise over the top of the existing revetment, and are chipping away at the bluff from behind the protective barrier. Work needs to begin now. Hampton Council, don’t delay.
Photo Credit: Montauk Lighthouse by Bemep. Some rights reserved.
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