SCHUMER, GOLDFEDER: SUPERSTORM SANDY RAVAGED BREEZY POINTS SILVER GULL BEACH CLUB; PUSH FEDS TO QUICKLY ALLOW BEACH CLUB TO RECONSTRUCT SEA WALL TO PROTECT FROM FUTURE STORMS

 

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and New York State Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder today pushed the National Park Service (NPS) to quickly approve the reconstruction of a sea wall at the Silver Gull Beach Club in Breezy Point. After Superstorm Sandy, the Beach Club's sea wall was destroyed and because the Beach Club is on the National Register of Historical Places, NPS must first approve the reconstruction of a new sea wall. The wall will be rebuilt by the club, at no cost to the tax payer.

 

"The Silver Gull beach club is a major employer and a retreat for families from across New York. The National Park Service must allow them to promptly rebuild their seawall - at no taxpayer expense - to protect themselves from future storms," said Schumer. "Unfortunately, Superstorm Sandy ripped through the Beach Club's sea wall and right now, there is nothing protecting the swimming pool from the beach itself. This can create a dangerous situation in the event of a future storm and that's why I am urging NPS to quickly approve the reconstruction of a sea wall - at no cost to the taxpayer so that this muchloved Beach Club is safe and protected."

 

"The Silver Gull is a staple in our community and a speedy recovery would send a strong message that we will rebuild stronger and better than ever," said Goldfeder. "I want to thank Senator Schumer for his tireless efforts on behalf of all the victims of hurricane Sandy especially in Southern Queens and Rockaway. I urge the National Parks Service to expedite all permits to rebuild the sea wall and allow a sense of normalcy to return to Rockaway."

 

Schumer and Goldfeder today called on NPS to quickly approve the reconstruction of a new sea wall at Breezy Point's Silver Gull Beach Club. Schumer and Goldfeder made the point that with the winter months approaching and snow storms possibly in the future, quick approval of this sea wall is urgent.

 

A copy of Schumer and Goldfeder's letter can be found below:

 

U.S. National Park Service

National Park Service Director

Jonathan B. Jarvis

 

Dear Mr. Jonathan B. Jarvis,

 

We are writing to urge the National Park Service to quickly approve the reconstruction of a sea wall at the Silver Gull Beach Club in Breezy Point.  After Superstorm Sandy, the Beach Club's seawall was destroyed, leaving the club extremely vulnerable to future storms.

 

The Silver Gull Beach Club is a popular summer destination for many from the Rockaway community and many other New Yorkers. It is also the largest local employer in the area and has been hit hard economically by the storm. They employ over 225 people during the summer season from the area.   After Sandy, the sea wall protecting the Beach Club from the beachfront was completely destroyed by the high winds and storm surge.  It is clear that without the protection of a sea wall, the beach club is unsafe.  The sea wall protects the swimming pools and concession areas.  A new sea wall would protect the Beach Clubs from being destroyed in the event of a future disaster. Especially with the winter months approaching and snow storms possibly around the corner, quick approval of this sea wall is urgent.

 

The community of Breezy Point has been faced with unspeakable damage to their homes, communities, and morale. The rebuilding of the Beach Club, is symbolically significant and reconstructing this seawall is the first step. We thank you for your time and sincere consideration in this crucial matter.

 

Sincerely,

 

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and NYS Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder