A portion of Rockaway Beach has been closed off since early last year due to erosion and safety issues after the back-to-back nor’easter season, but it’ll be opening up again to the public just in time for summer.
On Tuesday, May 14, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the 11 blocks of Rockaway Beach between Beach 92nd and Beach 103rd Streets will officially reopen next weekend. During its year-long closure, the stretch of eroded beach was replenished with plenty of sand that was removed from the East Rockaway Inlet by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project dredged up about 348,000-cubic-yards of sand from the inlet which was not only added to the coastline, but its removal will make vessel traffic safer in the area.
“The day has finally come,” says Mayor Bill de Blasio. “For New Yorkers, summer means Rockaway Beach,” so for residents and local businesses alike this is a very exciting announcement. The area will officially reopen to all on Saturday, May 25th, of Memorial Day Weekend. Rockaway Beach will remain open through the summer until Sunday, September 8th.
featured image source: Rockaway Beach / Photographer: Malcolm Pinckney