Sandy-pummeled Manasquan won’t rebuild storm-wrecked dunes

Another Jersey Shore town that was pummeled by Superstorm Sandy has decided it doesn’t want protective sand dunes.

Manasquan’s dunes were washed away in the October 2012 storm. And despite assertions by many coastal experts that the dunes prevented the damage from being even worse, the borough has decided not to rebuild them.

Manasquan officials say rebuilt dunes wouldn’t give that much more protection, and that a recently widened beach will add some security.

Many residents say they like being able to see the ocean from their homes again – despite warnings from some experts that they are playing with fire.

Stockton University coastal expert Stewart Farrell says Manasquan is taking a tremendous gamble by forsaking dunes. He says, “Love the view now, lose the house later.”