The Salisbury Beach Broadcast

The Salisbury Beach Broadcast - Wednesday, May 15th 2024

• Chris • Season 1 • Episode 1

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The Salisbury Beach Broadcast  - Wednesday, May 15th 2024

1:20  The Shoreline Scoop:
12:21 Beach Beats
13:40 Community Currents
15:32 Shorecast Forecast
16:34 Tide Tracker Surf Report

Salisbury Beach Citizens for Change (www.sbcfc.org)

Groundswell Surf Cafe

Salisbury leaders announce $6 million dollar plan to fight catastrophic beach erosion
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/04/30/salisbury-leaders-announce-6-million-plan-to-fight-catastrophic-beach-erosion/

Hotel development project still far in future
https://www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/hotel-development-project-still-far-in-future/article_5f13d31c-e6da-11ee-8219-c7faebaab831.html

Big Block project remains in limbo
https://www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/big-block-project-remains-in-limbo/article_c34f90c8-cc36-11ee-8e7f-ab8cbfc03b1e.html


Who are our State Legislators?

Bruce E. Tarr - Republican - First Essex and Middlesex
Bruce.Tarr@masenate.gov

Who is our State Representative? (6th District)

Representative Dawne Shand (D)
dawne.shand@mahouse.gov 

Phone: (617) 722-2400

Her aide is at: Brendan.Christopher@mahouse.gov



Who is our U.S. Congressional Representative? (6th District)

Seth Moulton - Democrat
 Website | https://moulton.house.gov/
Contact | 1126 Longworth House Office Building
(202) 225-8020

Who are our U.S. Senators?

Senator Ed Markey (D)

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D)





Email: salisburybeachbroadcast@gmail.com

We're also now on YOUTUBE!
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSalisburyBeachBroadcast


Speaker 1:

Hello and welcome to the Salisbury Beach Broadcast, a weekly podcast bringing you the best of what's going on in and around Salisbury Beach. Bringing you the best of what's going on in and around Salisbury Beach. I'm your host, chris Torres, and I'm thrilled to have you join us for our very first episode. Each week, we'll endeavor to bring you the latest news and events affecting Salisbury Beach. Our segments include the Shoreline Scoop for local news updates. Beach Beats for the latest in live music and entertainment. And Community Currents, where we spotlight local events. Plus, we'll give you the weekend weather forecast in our shorecast forecast and general beach conditions in the tide tracker surf report, with much more to come in future episodes. Check the show notes for time codes if you want to jump to a specific segment and stick around until the end of the podcast to find out how you can connect with us, share your thoughts and help the show grow. We're excited to bring you all the highlights of Salisbury Beach and keep you informed and entertained. Let's get started. And now for the Shoreline Scoop, our top story. On Tuesday evening, the Salisbury Beach Citizens for Change held a crucial meeting at the Blue Ocean Music Hall addressing the ongoing dune restoration efforts and the urgent need for funding. The meeting led by the organization's president, tom Saab, brought to light several pressing issues. Tom Saab opened the meeting with a stark overview of the current situation. According to Saab, the dunes at Salisbury Beach are in desperate need of restoration and, despite numerous appeals, the Healy administration has thus far failed to provide the necessary funds. Saab revealed that $1.75 million is needed to rebuild 1.5 miles of dunes on beach accesses 5 through 11, a critical project to protect the beach and surrounding properties. Salisbury Town Manager Neil Harrington echoed Saab's urgency and expressed gratitude for the town's efforts to support the cause. Harrington highlighted the dire consequences if immediate action is not taken. He emphasized quote Environmental specialist Tom Hughes provided a detailed assessment of the current dune conditions. Hughes emphasized that without immediate restoration, the dunes erosion could lead to severe property damage and increased vulnerability to future storms. Hughes explained quote we've lost 17% of our barrier volume in three winter storms. If we don't act now, even smaller storms will continue to erode the dunes, putting homes and Route 1A at risk. End quote. Saab also touched on the need for property easements allowing the state to perform restoration work on private properties. Around 60 to 70 property owners had previously signed such easements and more are needed to ensure the project's success. Legal options were discussed with Saab, detailing conversations with four attorneys. While legal action cannot force funding, he says it can protect property rights and challenge state decisions on dune restoration methods. Saab noted quote we are in communication with the Pacific Legal Foundation and others to explore all legal avenues. Our goal is to defend our property rights and push for effective restoration methods. End quote.

Speaker 1:

During the meeting a significant distinction was made between beach access points 5 through 11 and access points 1 through 4 regarding dune restoration efforts. Beach access points 5 through 11 are primarily focused on in the immediate restoration plan, largely because they are the areas that have seen the most severe erosion and damage from recent storms. These sections have been prioritized for receiving the necessary easements and permits to allow for state-led restoration work. Property owners in these areas are being asked to sign easements that grant the state permission to perform restoration activities on their land, including building dunes, installing snow fencing and planting dune grass. Access points 5 through 11 are in critical need of immediate action due to the lower elevation of the dunes, which increases their vulnerability to storm surges and further erosion. Tom Hughes, the environmental specialist, emphasized that the current dune crest elevation in these areas is dangerously low, which poses a significant risk to both the properties and the broader barrier that protects the inland marsh and Route 1A. Therefore, the restoration plan for these access points includes a comprehensive Phase 1 project that aims to rebuild the dunes to a consistent elevation, providing a necessary buffer against future storms.

Speaker 1:

In contrast, access points 1 through 4 are being handled with a different approach. These areas have not experienced the same level of immediate danger and erosion as points 5 through 11. As a result, the efforts here are more focused on maintaining existing protections and monitoring the conditions closely. The strategy for access points 1 through 4 involves less urgent restoration activities, with a focus on reinforcing the current dunes and ensuring that they remain stable. This includes routine maintenance, such as adding sand and planting dune grass, as well as preparing for any potential future erosion that might necessitate more intensive intervention.

Speaker 1:

The meeting concluded with an open floor for property owners to voice their concerns and a call to action for continued community involvement. Saab stressed the importance of persistent advocacy, urging residents to send letters and make calls to the relevant authorities. He urged, quote we need to make our voices heard, send letters, make calls and keep pushing for the funding we desperately need. End quote. Please check the show notes for contact information of the relevant legislators so you can make your voice heard.

Speaker 1:

In related news, salisbury leaders announced a $6 million plan to fight catastrophic beach erosion. To fight catastrophic beach erosion. In an effort to combat severe beach erosion and overwash at Salisbury Beach, state Senator Bruce Tarr and environmental scientist Tom Hughes have proposed a $6 million plan. This initiative aims to restore sand dunes to an elevation of 17 feet above sea level with funding from the state's Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund. The project emphasizes collaboration among state and federal legislators, state offices and other departments to ensure its success. It was announced at a press conference and detailed in an article by Emily Spatz on Bostoncom dated April 30th 2024. According to the article, residents with beachfront homes on Salisbury Beach have recently faced increased problems with coastal erosion, though it has been a problem for several years. Last month, residents paid $600,000 to install 15,000 tons of protective sand dunes on the beach, only for them to wash away with two subsequent storms. The plan comes at a critical time for Salisbury Beach, which now faces an increased threat of severe overwash and erosion. The restoration of sand dunes is a crucial step in protecting the beach and the surrounding community from the damaging effects of coastal erosion. The collaboration between state and federal entities, as well as the allocation of funds from the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund, underscores the importance of addressing this issue as a priority.

Speaker 1:

And, in other news, hotel development projects still far in future. Transforming the former Railroad Avenue police station into a hotel is still more than a year away as the town looks to finalize purchase and sales and land develop agreements with developer Downeast Residential. According to a company spokesperson, the 86-year-old police station closed its doors more than six years ago once the new station on Beach Road opened. Now the town is looking to finalize the sale of the property and see the Salisbury Beach Cornerstone developed. According to a March 23rd article by Matt Petrie in the Newburyport Daily News, daily News, down East's proposed project calls for 10 hotel units and 18 condo tells, which are condo units that could be made available as hotel units above and beyond the 10 hotel units they are proposing. Down East submitted the highest bid for the property at $800,000. The project aims to breathe new life into the area, offering contemporary accommodations and amenities to discerning visitors.

Speaker 1:

Despite the excitement surrounding the project, it is still far from being realized, with no specific start or completion date announced. The article quotes New England Development's project manager, who states we are still in the early stages of planning and permitting for the project and we are excited about the potential it has to bring new life to the area. End quote Town manager Neil Harrington confirmed the two parties have exchanged proposals, stating his hope to get agreements signed this spring. The next steps will be for Down East to develop specific plans, submit them to the town of Salisbury and receive approval from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. This will take several months, so we are quite a few months away from actual constructions, arrington said. And finally, big Block Project remains in limbo.

Speaker 1:

According to a February 16th article by Alexander McDougall in the Newburyport Daily News, the Big Block Project, a significant development proposal for Salisbury Beach, remains in a state of uncertainty. The $190 million project, which would transform the area with 235 residential units and 7,500 square feet of retail space, has been discussed for the last two decades, with the current iteration beginning in 2015. However, an appeal filed by Abutters residents of the nearby Ocean Echo Condominiums and Songs of the Seas Condominiums has stalled the project. The abutters, represented by Goddard Consulting LLC, are concerned about the project's impact on the coastal dunes, citing the potential for damage and the history of buildings being removed due to shifting coastal conditions. The appeal has led to a site visit by the State Department of Environmental Protection early in February. The project's uncertain status has affected planning for other developments in the area, including designs for the Broadway Mall. Despite the challenges, the project developers have included a plan to build a 34,000 square foot restoration sand dune to mitigate the project's impact on the beach's integrity. Links to all these stories can be found in the show notes In this week's Beach Beats.

Speaker 1:

We bring you the upcoming live local music and entertainment on Salisbury Beach. Local music and entertainment on Salisbury Beach. Crash and Burn returns to crash another spring beach party at Uncle Eddie's Oceanside Tavern on Saturday, may 17th, with the hottest hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s to help bring you an early summer. And on May 18th, don't miss Oxidize with special guests Guns of Brighton Performing at the Blue Ocean Music Hall on Friday, may 22nd and Saturday, the 23rd is Leonid and Friends A Tribute to Chicago. Leonid and Friends have blown the minds of legions of fans with their uncanny ability to capture the spirit, musicality and fire of American supergroup Chicago. They have since expanded their repertoire to include Earth, Wind, fire, blood, sweat, tears, ides of March, stevie Wonder, steely Dan, deep Purple and New Original Material Show starts at 8 pm both nights. And don't miss the Reggae Beach Bash on Sunday, may 26th at 6 pm, featuring the Doopie Conquerors bringing the spirit of Bob Marley to Salisbury Beach. For more details on all upcoming shows and to purchase tickets, visit blueoceanhallcom.

Speaker 1:

Now on to Community Currents, where we bring you the latest happenings around Salisbury Beach. Mark your calendars for Saturday, may 18th, from 9 am to 11 am for the Salisbury Beach Cleanup. This event, organized by the Salisbury Beach Betterment Association, is a fantastic opportunity to help keep our beach clean and protect our ocean. Volunteers are needed to join the effort, so if you're free, come on down and lend a hand. The cleanup crew will meet at Groundswell Surf Cafe, located at 25 Broadway in Salisbury. Gloves and trash bags will be provided, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and community spirit. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the rain date is set for Sunday, may 19th. At the same time, summer beach cleanups are also scheduled for the third Saturday of each month, so if you can't make it this time, there will be more opportunities to get involved in June 15th, july 20th and August 17th from 9 to 11 am, and go lunar on Thursday, may 23rd, at 6 pm for a full moon beach yoga and drum circle at Groundswell Surf Cafe. This special event, led by Sarah Olson and special guests, offers a unique opportunity to unwind and connect with the natural rhythms of the ocean. For $25 per person, you'll enjoy a rejuvenating yoga session followed by a vibrant drum circle. Remember to bring your own towel or yoga mat to fully participate in this beachside experience. Spaces are limited, so make sure to sign up early. For more details and to reserve your spot, visit Brown Swell Surf Cafe's website or scan the QR code on their event poster.

Speaker 1:

And now for the Shorecast forecast from the US National Weather Service. On Thursday there's a chance of showers patchy fog before 7 am. Otherwise mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. East wind 3 to 8 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 30%. On Friday it'll be partly sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast winds around 10 miles per hour. Friday night mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Winds from the east 7 to 9 mph. Saturday mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. East wind around 10 mph. And Saturday night mostly cloudy with a low around 48 degrees. East wind 7 to 10 mph and finally on Sunday a chance of showers. Afternoon Mostly cloudy with a high near 58. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph and chance of showers. Afternoon mostly cloudy with a high near 58. Northeast wind 8 to 10 miles per hour and chance of precipitation is 30 percent. And that's your Shorecast forecast. And finally, here's the Tide Tracker Surf Report from Surfforecastcom.

Speaker 1:

Friday morning waves are around three and a half feet from the southeast, with 10 mile per hour easterly winds making for onshore conditions. High tide is at 8 26 am at 7.58 feet. Friday afternoon waves increase slightly to four feet from the east, southeast, with northeast winds at five miles per Expect. Cross-onshore conditions with low tide at 212 pm at 1.44 feet. Saturday morning waves rise to 5 feet from the east, with 5 mph east-northeast winds keeping it cross-onshore. High tide is at 936 am at 7.55 feet. Saturday afternoon the waves stay at 5 feet from the east, with 10 mph easterly winds providing onshore conditions. Low tide at 2.47 pm at 1.2 feet and on Sunday morning brings 5 foot waves from the east with light easterly winds. Onshore conditions persist Low tide at 3.17 am and high tide at 9.24 am at 7.4 feet. Sunday afternoon expect the same five-foot waves from the east and light easterly winds. Onshore conditions remain Low tide. At 3.33 pm at 1.2 feet. And that's your Tide Tracker Surf Report for this weekend.

Speaker 1:

And that wraps up this week's episode of the Salisbury Beach Broadcast. Thank you for tuning in. Next week we'll have updates on the Memorial Day weekend activities and more local news and events. In the meantime, please share this podcast and give us a positive rating on your podcast platform of choice. We would really appreciate it and we'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, opinions or suggestions with us at salisburybeachbroadcast at gmailcom or find us on Facebook. Until next time, stay safe and enjoy the beach. Thank you.