The large beach replenishment project, FIMI, is moving, but as I have indicated previously, it is moving slowly.  Suffolk County, which is the project's local partner, is handling all real estate issues and these issues are complex.  The county is dealing with the communities to the east and west of the Pines first.  The final surveys have been issued to homeowners in Ocean Bay Park.  In Davis Park the surveys are expected shortly.  The community there has been informed that the project will involve more re-locations of houses on existing properties rather than acquisitions of houses.  There will be very few demolitions.     The county has shown flexibility in implementing the project and a willingness to negotiate with impacted homeowners.  We have provided the County with a list of issues that need to be considered in the Pines, and the County will be reviewing that list when they start to review surveys for the Pines.  Thus far we have no indication that the dune line will be significantly different from the line indicated on the aerial surveys from October.  We are also pursuing a project to replace and repair damaged/lost trap bags.  The severe winter has taken a toll on the trap bags.  We are working closely with Land Use Ecological Services and the Town to undertake necessary repairs.

We have good news to share on the sale of the commercial properties in the Pines.  The closing was completed on Monday and Tuesday of this week.  Congratulations to Ian Reisner and PJ McAteer! Please join PJ and Ian for a 'Meet & Greet - Cocktails' event: Thursday, April 9th, 8:00 pm;  X Lounge, at THE OUT HOTEL; 510 West 42nd Street, Manhattan.

Our harbor came through the rough winter in pretty good shape except for the mooring poles.  Thirteen of the poles were pulled completely out by the ice.  However we lost only one.  Twelve were rescued.  Particular thanks to Ken Stein and Walter Boss in helping to rescue floating poles.  Twenty two other poles will need to be pushed back.  We are getting bids on all of this work.  The rest of the harbor faired well and we are mounting a cleanup this week.  We are also working on several other harbor projects.  We are in the process of obtaining the necessary permits to replace several dolphins which are clusters of poles that protect the west hook from ice damage.  The largest harbor project, involving the replacement of the passenger ferry dock awaits a Town hearing to authorize the bonds which will finance the project.  We have a meeting with Brookhaven Town supervisor Ed Romaine and other Town officials on April 23rd to move all of these projects along.  These projects require that we work closely with Town staff, particularly, legal and finance.   Increasingly, governmental services are provided to the community through a complex interaction between the Town and FIPPOA.  This work requires an extensive knowledge of the Town's budget procedures.  Keeping track of the money in each of the special districts to ensure that it is available to finance our projects is a full time occupation.   I think it is very important that the residents understand that at the local level we live in an ever more regulated world.

I am sure all of you are aware of the terrible fire in Cherry Grove last Friday.  I spoke to Diane Romano, President of The Cherry Grove Community Association.  Diane noted particular concern in getting the debris removed from the community. Mutual aid was provided by Fire Departments from all along Fire Island as well as many from the mainland in addition to our own Fire Island Pines Fire Department (FIPFD).    Like the Pines in 2011, Cherry Grove's downtown sustained major damage and our best wishes go out to our neighboring town for speedy rebuild and back to business.

The boardwalks in the Pines look pretty good.  Steps will need to be replaced at Driftwood and Beach Hill Walks.  The steps at Coast Guard are currently being rebuilt.  There is also a repair needed at Sandy and the Boulevard and we have been assured by the Highway Department that this is a priority.    

I want to remind you that there will be a Memorial Service for Alan Brockman on May 9th at 12:30 PM.  Please RSVP by return email so that we have a head count for the luncheon that will follow. All are welcome.  We are also considering a bus to transport people from NYC to the Pines. When you RSVP, please indicate if you would be interested in taking the bus.

The Fire Island Association (FIA) has issued a update on the pine tree beetle blight.  Homeowners should review this message as they begin spring clean up and landscaping.

Finally we have reached that time of year where I can wish everyone a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover!