Middletown is working to get Second Beach ship shape.
Over the winter, Mother Nature did a job on the eastern end of the Sachuest Point Road summertime hotspot, dumping tons of rocks in the areas occupied by lifeguard Chairs 1 and 2.
Instead of hoping the rocks get pulled back out to sea before the unofficial start of the beach season on Memorial Day weekend, local officials opted to take action instead.
Recently, the town rented a 35-yard articulated hauler as well as an excavator to scoop and move the rocks to a better location nearby. That work is expected to begin this week, with the large hauler and excavator on site.
While the project is happening, visitors are asked to steer clear of the area and follow the instructions of those supervising the work zone.
“We get some movement of rocks every off season, but this was much more noticeable than anytime in recent memory,” said Will Cronin, who overseas the beaches as part of his duties with the town. “Instead of sitting back and hoping Mother Nature took care of it, we decided to lend a hand a little bit.”
Town Council President Paul M. Rodrigues broached the item during the all-day budget workshop over the weekend, asking if the beach would be ready to go for the weekend of May 25.
Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown responded affirmatively, saying every year Second and Third beaches require some prep, but this year would be more noticeable.
“This isn’t something new for us, it’s just a little more than in the past,” Brown said. “We’re confident that in a week or two, the beach will be restored in a way that our residents and visitors have come to expect.”
At its May 6 meeting, the council is expected to consider a request for a hydrological study of Sachuest Bay to help determine what’s in store for the beach area in the next 10 to 20 years — and beyond.
Brown said that report would build upon existing studies done under former Town Engineer Warren Hall, which found Second Beach was losing about an inch a year due to sea level rise.
Funding for the rock relocation effort and hydrological report come from the town’s Beach Fund, meaning no tax dollars will be used to pay for the work.
“(The rocks) are something we’re aware of and have been watching and discussing,” Cronin said. “It’s one of those things that will eventually take care of itself like it always does, but this approach speeds up that timeline a bit.”
If you’re interested in working at the beaches this summer, visit https://mdl.town/Jobs online. To purchase a seasonal parking pass, go to https://mdl.town/BeachStickers online.
Source: Town of Middletown