The Town of East Hampton has removed an illegally erected structure at 88 S. Emerson Avenue, Montauk, within the Perpetual Storm Damage Reduction Easement area. This action follows multiple notifications to the property owner, Myfour Realty, LLC, and its attorney to voluntarily remove the structure. The Town Board’s Resolution 2024-711 authorizes the necessary corrective measures.
The Perpetual Storm Damage Reduction Easement specifies the conditions under which sand, dunes, vegetation, and fencing can be placed within the Easement Area. This agreement allows the County, DEC, USACE, and their representatives to construct, preserve, patrol, operate, maintain, repair, rehabilitate, and replace a public beach and other erosion control and storm damage reduction measures.
“We have made every effort to work with the property owner to resolve this matter amicably,” Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez stated. “However, the integrity of our dunes is critical to our community’s safety and environmental health. We will not hesitate to enforce our laws to ensure the well-being of our residents and the protection of our coastline.”
Town Attorney Robert Connelly added, “The Town Board’s resolution, and the easement itself, gives the Town the authority to take action. The Town has proceeded with the removal of the illegal structure to uphold the conditions set forth in the agreement easement. This is essential to maintaining the effectiveness of the Town’s storm damage reduction measures.”
Town Councilmember David Lys emphasized the importance of protecting the Town’s dunes and beaches. “Preserving our dunes and beach systems is vital for protecting Montauk’s coastline from erosion and storm damage,” he said. “The Easement area plays a crucial role in these efforts, and any unauthorized structures compromise its function. The Town’s action is a necessary step to safeguard our natural resources.”
The Town Board’s resolution authorized the Office of the Town Attorney to use all appropriate methods to ensure the removal of any illegal structures within the Easement Area. The Town remains committed to protecting Montauk’s coastal environment.
A video of the removal of the structure can be seen here.