The Middletown Town Council recently approved a $42,000 contract to study beach erosion and develop solutions to preserve the town’s beaches.
The study will be conducted by Coastal Systems Research & Planning and Crossman Engineering, and will focus on the areas most susceptible to erosion, including Second and Third beaches and Sachuest Bay area. The goal of the study is to develop a model of what’s happening at the beaches and a best management plan to help preserve them long term.
Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said in a statement, “As we’re all aware and we’ve talked about this over the past few years, there’s quite a bit of changes happening at Second and Third beaches. Over time, our beaches are getting small and it’s becoming more and more evident and identifiable to us.”
According to the town, the study will be essential for the future of Middletown’s beaches, which are an important part of the town’s economy and real estate market. The study will identify any areas that are at a high risk of erosion and develop recommendations for how to mitigate these areas. The town plans to use the study’s results to inform future decisions on beach preservation and to help set a long-term strategy for protecting the beaches.
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues said in a statement, “We want to be strategic. We want to be smart. We want to preserve the beach. That beach is the jewel of the town and we want to make sure we take the necessary steps and get guidance from experts who deal with this type of situation.”
The town also plans to continue to invest in beach health and to promote sustainable practices. The town’s recent investment in the hiring of a beach erosion control expert and the purchase of a large dump truck and excavator to move rocks that had washed ashore over the winter are examples of the town’s commitment to preserving its beaches.
The study of beach erosion is a critical step for Middletown in ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of its beaches. The town is committed to protecting the beaches and the study will provide an important roadmap for future action.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
