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Babylon Town unveiled its ambitious Overlook Beach restoration project during a pre-Thanksgiving event showcasing a large-scale effort to replenish the beloved coastline.
The project, involving the dredging and relocation of 70,000 cubic yards of sand, marks a significant investment in preserving the beach for future generations, town officials said.
Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer and other Babylon officials hosted the event, offering residents a close-up look at the $1.6 million initiative. The sand is being dredged from the Sore Thumb sand bar as part of the Fire Island Inlet – Shores Westerly Navigation Project, with the aim of building the beach out to 350 feet from the parking lot and widening the bathing area to 1,200 feet.
Norfolk Dredging is the contractor on the project. Bulldozers, enormous pipes and a dredge are pumping 6,000 cubic yards of sand per day onto the shoreline, with potential rates exceeding 20,000 cubic yards daily under optimal conditions, officials said.
Schaffer expressed pride in the project, emphasizing its importance in revitalizing Overlook Beach and ensuring it is ready for residents to enjoy in the summer of 2025. The restoration effort, he noted, underscores the Town of Babylon’s commitment to preserving its coastline and enhancing the community’s beachfront experience.
The event highlighted the project’s massive scale, with visuals of sand blasting onto the beach and heavy machinery sculpting the shoreline, offering a glimpse of what residents can expect next summer.
Photos: Courtesy
