Salisbury, a charming coastal town and a popular vacation spot for tourists, sits on the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, approximately 35 miles north of the bustling city of Boston. However, for permanent residents of this town, particularly those residing along the shoreline, daily life is not as idyllic as a day at the beach.

Last month, after a series of storms battered the area, local citizens came together to take the necessary steps to protect their homes. Volunteer organization Salisbury Beach Citizens for Change raised more than $500,000 to erect a 15,000-ton sand dune – a formidable barrier that would hopefully protect at least 15 beach houses from destruction.

However, their beliefs were proven wrong. The sand dune was fully constructed in early March, only to be destroyed a mere three days later, along with an estimated half a million dollars.

The disastrous event caused some to ridicule the project while it provoked anger in others.

Tom Saab, the leader of the group, stood by his decision to support the dune.

“The dunes we constructed were sacrificial in nature. They served to protect the properties from water damage, preventing it from reaching people’s living spaces and causing destruction to houses, decks, patios, and other structures,” stated Saab. “However, we are now at risk of another nor’easter because we must find a way to restore what has been lost.”

One individual on the Salisbury Beach Citizens for Change’s Facebook page responded to a post regarding the controversy surrounding the sand dune situation, stating: “Your homes are located directly on a constantly increasing and relentlessly aggressive ocean. Do you truly believe that any sum of money will prevent what is bound to happen?”

As climate becomes more erratic and ocean temperatures increase, sea levels are increasing due to thermal expansion. This also leads to more severe weather conditions, which can accelerate coastal erosion. This crisis is directly affecting homeowners in Salisbury Beach, as they experience the effects of higher sea levels, powerful winds, and intense storms. In fact, even in January alone, two severe storms have occurred.

“It was absolutely tragic,” Saab expressed regarding the recent storms. “The ocean’s waters seeped into individuals’ living spaces and kitchens, causing immense damage. Patios were obliterated and at least one residence was deemed inhabitable.”

Saab stated that the issue should be officially addressed by the government, as Salisbury is a public beach and is prone to nor’easters and hurricanes because it is situated near the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, his organization is advocating for state aid.

Saab claims that all you require is financial assistance from the government, but there is an issue. According to Saab, Governor Maura Healey’s administration is a significant obstacle in safeguarding the beach.

Following multiple conferences with officials from both the local and state government, one of which took place on March 14th, Saab consistently received a repetitive response. The state has yet to contribute financially towards implementing a protective solution against the advancing tides, the most recent of which reached a historic 14 feet.

Saab said he suggested cheaper alternatives to protecting the homes, including filling plastic trash bags with sand to create a barrier or sand harvesting, which Saab described as a fairly simple and much more affordable option.

“You gather the sand, load it onto a dump truck, transport it back to the dune, and unload it. This process allows the sand to be redistributed freely. This method has been successful in various areas.”

No proposal was accepted. However, the state did grant the citizen organization a permit for beach access. Saab stated that this was just a small contribution.

The request for comment made to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has not been answered.

Meanwhile, Saab was faced with responding to irate investors who were disappointed to see their money disappear in just a few days.

According to Saab, individuals were displeased, saddened, and frustrated. They are seeking solutions through state intervention and refusing to personally fund any further.

“I am committed to continuously motivating others and maintaining a positive mindset. I refuse to quit or give up.”

Source: theguardian.com