Farmingville, NY - On March 23, 2010, Brookhaven’s Town Board approved a waiver of permit fees associated with repairs to shoreline structures necessitated by damage from the storms of March 12-14, 2010. Councilwoman Jane Bonner sponsored and the Town Board approved the resolution that the Town of Brookhaven, for the purpose of reducing the financial impacts to property owners, waive the fees associated with these permit applications - provided that the property owner can prove that the structure was damaged by this particular storm.

“The dynamic nature of our shoreline, coupled with intensity of recent storms presents unique problems and challenges to our waterfront and I believe this waiver in fees will help the residents clean up the destruction that Mother Nature has left behind,” said Councilwoman Jane Bonner.

The nor’easter of March 12-14, 2010 caused extensive damage and erosion to shoreline areas in the Town of Brookhaven, particularly along the north shore of the town. The repair and/or replacement of damaged structures require the issuance of both a Wetlands & Waterways Permit ($500) and a Coastal Erosion Hazard Area Permit ($200) by Brookhaven Town. Regulated activities under these permits, include, but are not limited to the repair, restoration, or replacement of bulkheads, gabions, retaining walls, docks, and piers, the placement of fill, vegetation to control erosion, and other activities to control erosion, the relocation of existing structures threatened with harm as a result of the erosion, and any other activity related to repairing the damage caused by the storm of March 12-14, 2010

Supervisor Mark Lesko added, “Brookhaven has been battered by the devastating effects of December’s blizzard and now March’s heavy rainstorms. The town and homeowners are both faced with a financial impact, and by waiving these permit fees for a brief period we can help our residents in their efforts to make repairs, saving them $700 on average.”

This financial relief does not relieve the requirements for obtaining and complying with a permit issued to repair or replace storm damaged structures. The waiver of the fees applies to any shoreline area of the Town and will expire on May 28, 2010.

 

Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258