Watch Hill Rennovation

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Patchogue, NY - Fire Island National Seashore Superintendent Chris Soller announced today that Woodstock Construction LTD will begin work on a $5.4 million project to replace electrical and lighting systems, and adjacent bulkhead and boardwalk at the Watch Hill Marina on Fire Island. The multimillion dollar project, funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Park Service (NPS), will begin September 12 and is slated for completion by late summer 2017.

"We are working to ensure that this marina is sustainable for years to come," said Fire Island National Seashore Superintendent Chris Soller. The project will replace the existing electrical distribution systems, damaged in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy. Plans call for a new elevated electrical building to be constructed and for the existing conduit, conductors, and pedestals to be replaced. A new bulkhead will be built and composite lumber will be installed over a strengthened substructure on adjacent boardwalks, making the marina more resilient to future storms.

The project will require closure of the Watch Hill Marina to ferry service and private boaters through summer 2017. The visitor center, bathrooms, lifeguarded beach, and tent campground will be closed on September 19 for the remainder of the 2016 season. The marina will remain closed until the project is completed in 2017. However limited visitor services may be available depending on the progress of the project. Updates will be posted at: https://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/watchhill.htm.

Since Hurricane Sandy struck Fire Island National Seashore in October, 2012, five recovery projects have been completed in partnership with the FHWA at Fire Island National Seashore. The Watch Hill Marina project is the sixth such project and is funded in part by FHWA and NPS. The FHWA secured funds through Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Lands and the NPS obligated funds through the Hurricane Sandy Relief Supplemental Aid and recreation fees.

Watch Hill is located on the western edge of the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, directly across the Great South Bay from Patchogue on Long Island. The Watch Hill Marina opened in 1967 and has 182 slips with 120 and 208 volt service, which accommodate boats with a draft to 5 feet and 8- to 17- foot beam. Of the 182 slips, there are 23 which accommodate 15- to 18- foot beams and offer 208 volt service.
 
Gee, I see they omitted the renovation to the park service buildings NOT DAMAGED BY SANDY. I thought friends of watch hill was supposed to represent the boaters that visit the marina and keep the interests of the park at heart ??? I guess they have lost track of that. IM DONE

Rob
 
I am thinking of going the end of next week since I have not been since last year and need a quick getaway.

Having said that, I did not join FOWH this year since I think they make little difference in how things are run.
 
Anyone been there recently?

I am hearing the bug situation is still brutal and since the Admiral has reactions to bites, I may have to pass on going.
 
I haven't gone there in years. It's a beautiful spot, but the bugs are killer. They're bad enough to keep us from going there anymore.
 
A lot people are rethinking Friends of watch hill membership! They did nothing when it counted. Sorry, I love all the board people but the one time they had to make a difference they assumed the fetal position ! IM DONE !

Oh and the bugs I heard are off the hook.

Rob
 
Heading there today. Place I hear is full because people are staying for Labor Day already.
I am in the c basin which should be interesting considering my length.
 
I would hope but doubt they get internet access with the 5 + million they are spending. 12 years of going to watch hill, the bugs, the rah rah to get their, I just lost interest in this place. Actually, I have played the South Shore Game for over 12 years and really have burnt out all the places we visit. Either out east next year, or a runabout is where I want to be.
 
We like Watch Hill. It's not so much the place as much as it's getting out on the boat, relaxing on dock, seeing friends, etc. Yeah be nice to go someplace else and I am researching that but at the end of the day, the setup we have at AYC is hard to beat or match anywhere and I have been to alot of marina's! Watch Hill bugs we all have figured out, it's timing. Sunrise and Dusk, be in your boat. All other times on docks is good.

Interesting thing happened to me at Watch Hill. Sitting on boat and see smoke coming out of power pole. Guy on dock opens cover and flames come shooting out. I ran in my boat and shut off breakers while they disconnected me from pole and other side. Electrician came over and wire had fried insulation. No more spare plugs, they are not fixing them! Lucky for me, guy next to me was not plugged in and staying the night, small grady white fishing boat. So I ran to his pole.
 
Oh, one more thing, we heard this weekend that all of D dock will be 220 volt.
There is also talk of adding solar power on the day slips which will probably offer the ability to run minimal items but not a boat!
 
220 volt on D yes

solar on Day slips will never happen . PRECIOUS dunes and flys may be inconvenienced ! PARK SUPERVISOR needs to be retire.

Funny how they were able to carve out that huge tract on D land ....

Whatever

Rob
 
We left but it was still pretty full when we left.
Alot of boats were jockeying around taking slips on other docks as they opened up.
There was also alot of boats coming in. I think by Wednesday they may be full if not full already!
C21 where I was has no power and no plans to fix!
 
Well since I was going to try on Thursday I will need a plan B.

Anyone have any ideas?
 
The only appeal to watch hill is seeing other boaters we like, other than that, it is not a really friendly place to visit. The mosquitoes are present in the morning, dusk, and when there is no wind. It is fact on two things, Watch hill has tons of mosquitoes and mosquitoes carry the aids virus as well as that new virus. Great place if they get their **** together and fumigate the mosquitoes. If I had younger kids, till they take care of this, I would never go there. The place is a mess, and is not addressing the issues to those that go their. This is why I stopped my donations 2 years ago to this place. FOWH mean well, but they have no say on what happens!
 
We wanted to go to Channel Club, but they have no slips available.
 
Got to WH today at noon. C basin is 70% empty D basin had 2 slips empty still empty, their on dc dock.
B basin and A basin about 50% empty slips.
Real quiet here today 75 % of boats are empty. I am staying here till Thursday or Saturday haven't decide yet. If any one is still coming this week I could update you on slips. I check BE late at night, let me know.

Eppy
 
We booked our third annual Labor Day trip to channel club in April this year.
I organized because I knew if we waited we would get closed out.
We have 6 boats going.
They are getting cancellations I hear.
Some people nervous with storms in Atlantic.
As are we. Lol.
 
I am still going to give WH a shot for Thursday. I am only planning a few nights and I would prefer not getting my brains beat in coming home (by the ocean and the Admiral).
 
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