Community News

Holding back Merrick Bay

Merrick Road golf course getting new bulkhead after Sandy

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The Town of Hempstead ripped out its wooden bulkhead at the Merrick Road golf course in recent months and is replacing it with a $1.66 million vinyl-and-wood bulkhead to hold back Merrick Bay.

In all, the town is replacing 1,370 linear feet of bulkhead. On Tuesday, heavy equipment, including a crane, hugged the shoreline at the golf course’s south end, and recently removed, creosote-soaked pilings and planks were piled high.

“This bulkheading project will greatly benefit all those who take advantage of our beautiful Merrick Road golf course, local mariners, as well as other area residents,” said Town Supervisor Anthony Santino. “This new bulkhead will be a meaningful improvement for the area.”

The project encompasses the shoreline by the first and second holes and a section before the third hole tee box. Any grassy areas that were torn up during construction will be restored, town officials aid.

“This bulkhead was greatly needed along Merrick Bay, as the previous structure was aging,” said Town Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney. “I am proud to partner with Supervisor Santino on this important project for Town of Hempstead residents.”

Along with a number of town facilities, the golf course suffered severe damage during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, which exacerbated the need to replace the already aging bulkhead, officials said.

The project started in December and is expected to be complete by mid-summer. Woodstock Construction is doing the work.