Dock 'in bad need of repair' to get fixed

Work is scheduled to begin in October on reconstruction of the Maple Avenue Dock in Bay Shore after the town secured more than $3 million in funding to remake the aging structure, officials said.

The 1,600-linear-foot commercial dock, which serves as a key parking lot for visitors to Fire Island, underwent partial repairs in 1985 and 1992. But its western flank has deteriorated so much, with sink holes now visible, that vehicles can no longer be parked on it.

Last year, the town learned it would receive $2.4 million, through the federal Department of Transportation's Ferry Boat Discretionary Program, obtained with the help of Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand (both D-N.Y.), and Rep. Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills).

Since then, a state grant of $750,000, received with assistance from State Sen. Owen Johnson (R-West Babylon), has been approved, and town officials plan to soon seek proposals for the work from construction firms, said town parks commissioner Joe Montuori.

The wooden bulkhead around the dock will be replaced with a steel structure, sink holes will be filled, and the entire surface and parking lot area will be raised and reinforced with new asphalt so that the dock meets Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines, officials said.

There will be new lighting and drainage. And after it is refurbished, parking restrictions at the dock will be lifted so that the lot -- full to capacity in peak season -- can accommodate another 100 parking spaces for local businesses, visitors and tourists.

The project is expected to last through next winter, with completion in April 2013, Montuori said. That time of year has been selected to provide minimum disruption to Fire Island Ferries and nearby businesses.

"This is a downtime for the ferry season, but we will be making sure there's no interruption to freight for ferries," he said.

The dock -- the primary hub for passengers and freight for the barrier island -- was originally deeded to the town in the 1920s by J. Adolph Mollenhauer, a wealthy landowner and sailing enthusiast, officials said.

"It'll be nice to see the dock done, it's been in bad need of repair for a long time, and it's great to see it's on the schedule," said Pete Higgins, manager of Molly Malone's Pub and Restaurant, at the dock entrance. "It'll be a great improvement for Bay Shore, and we're very pleased they're doing the work so it doesn't impinge on our peak season from May," he added.