Oyster Bay Facing Deadline on its Damaged Dock

The Town of Oyster Bay is under the gun to make repairs to its western waterfront pier that was damaged byHurricane Sandy. 

The pier, used part of the year by local fishermen, is also the primary dock for the historic sailing ships and honored vessels that are a centerpiece of the annual Oyster Festival, set for Oct. 19 and 20. It has been off limits since the great October storm that caused colossal damage across Long Island.

The pier did not suffer structural damage in the hurricane, but requires significant carpentry work, said Brian Devine, a spokesman for the town. Nassau Suffolk Engineering and Architecture evaluated the pier and determined it to be structurally sound, Devine said. 

Town officials and Oyster Festival officials told Patch they are confident the work can be done in time despite the tight deadline. That point is key, because festival organizers must book the visiting ships well in advance.

“We’ve been working closely with Sen. (Carl) Marcellino and Supervisor (John) Venditto to ensure that all properties at the western waterfront will be ready for use at the our 30th anniversary Oyster Festival on Oct. 19 and 20,” said Kristin Reardon, co-chairman of the Oyster Festival.

The work itself is mostly confined to replacing the decking and the railing of the long pier which, in recent years, has served to dock various tall ships, the oyster sloop Christine, and FDNY Fireboat John J. Harvey. 

The work has been put out to competitive bid. On Tuesday, the town board is expected to vote on a measure to hire the contractor. The cost remains unknown but may be revealed at Tuesday meeting, which begins at 10 a.m.