The Plum Island Erosion Story

Dear Friends of Plum Island,

We want to take this opportunity to once again thank you for your time and generous support. We are making progress – sometimes at an astonishing pace! We couldn’t have come so far in such a short time without your contributions and dedication to our shared vision of a sustainable Beach.

With this in mind, we are writing today with a detailed update on what has been accomplished and what we need to accomplish in the year ahead. This is a more complete statement of how we now see ‘the problem’ having studied this for a year, what has been accomplished, and what remains to be accomplished is in the attachment. Please do read it, and pass it on to friends. There are many misconceptions on the issues and the solutions, and we are asking you to be part of the communications campaign.

First, and most important in what has been achieved, Massachusetts DCR has committed to be the local sponsor for the dredging of the river and depositing of the sand on the beach. As you probably read in the Daily News, DCR has committed $525,000 toward this effort. We have also received assurances from Representative Tierney’s office and from the Army Corps that there will be money to pay for the Federal share. The Army Corps has told us that this project is a priority from their standpoint. Raoul Silva from DCR stated, in response to a direct question re: timing, that this would be accomplished within 10-14 months, depending upon a number of factors.

Second, the Merrimack River Beach Alliance (MRBA) has been founded as the joint body that will drive this to completion. As stated in the attached document, this is a representative body that includes Newbury, Newburyport, and Salisbury, along with the State Legislative members, DCR, DEP, and a representative from John Tierney’s office. This group is led by State Senator Bruce Tarr and Selectman Vince Russo.

We are grateful for all of the above, and feel a deep inner sense of accomplishment, especially given that we only began November 11th, 2007, and at that time the Daily News was debating whether or not there was really a problem. Having said that, the work of the year is to ensure that what has been committed to actually happens, and happens in a manner that works toward our vision of a sustainable Plum Island. This will take a great deal of work behind the scenes.

Part of this will be working with the Army Corps to ensure that they take into account the vital factors that we, as resident citizens, know are required – for instance, working to get the 2,500 feet of sand deposited north of Center Island, and also to address the 55th St. area of Newburyport. There will be countless other ‘issues’ like this to resolve.

Another part of this will be working between the various stakeholders to ensure communication and coordination – Army Corps, our local municipal officials, DCR and DEP, Representative Tierney’s office, our State legislative delegation, and all the other players. It has been somewhat amazing to us to, at times, to observe how this communication on very vital matters has not happened. We work to keep the flow of communication going.

In addition, there will be work to be done locally. For instance, in order to move forward it is critical that we obtain easements from each beachfront property owner. The easement will allow the work to proceed, including sand deposited up against the dune in front of each home and the overall dune and beach replenishment. We promise to provide detailed follow up information on this issue in the near future.

The issues we are facing have an impact on ALL island property owners and citizens of both Newbury and Newburyport as it relates to the tax base and the shared water and sewer system. Therefore, we are also launching a membership drive and creating a membership structure that we hope will encompass the whole island, the town and the city. The intent of the drive is hear each property owner’s voice, increase awareness, promote an understanding of the issues, problems and solutions as well as building momentum push the process of implementation forward. The implementation must include the short term 'band-aid' of beach replenishment but also must include addressing the Jetties and Groins for a long-term, sustainable solution. As fellow property owners and island residents, PIF greatly appreciates your support and consideration in assisting us once again with building membership.

And all of this requires the informed guidance and assistance of Howard Marlowe and Josh Gaboton of Marlowe and Company.

Folks, as my wife said: ‘Marc, you guys moved the world.’ But now we need to keep it moving. Please consider your next financial contribution to the effort. We know these are economically challenging times for us all, but this is the time that matters most to Plum Island.
                                                                       
Thank you in advance for your support. We could not do this important work without each and every supporter and contribution. You are an important part of this process and effort to save Plum Island and your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely in service to you all,

Marc Sarkady, Island Resident
President, Plum Island Foundation, Inc.

How you can help:

Read "The Plum Island Erosion Story: Talking Points" and forward to friends, family and associates.

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