Lighthouse Project Facing More Delays

Photos/Pam Setchell
A portion of the platform of the Huntington Lighthouse recently collapsed, causing a possible setback in the nearly $1 million restoration project of the Huntington Lighthouse.

By Janee Law
jlaw@longislandergroup.com

In the midst of seeking an additional $180,000 in funding to continue the nearly $1 million Huntington Lighthouse restoration project, the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society is facing another hurdle.

The south side of the lighthouse platform collapsed May 23, potentially delaying construction from continuing since crews can no longer safely dock at the structure, according to Pam Setchell, society president. If the side isn’t fixed before Labor Day weekend, the annual Lighthouse music festival could be cancelled, she added.

“It just started to disintegrate,” Setchell said, adding that the damage was sustained to the most problematic side of the lighthouse, facing the Huntington Harbor channel that experiences the most boat traffic. “There’s no other option, it has to be done because right now we can’t board and we can’t access the lighthouse.

Rebuilding the gaping hole would take a total of around $280,000 and two months without any interruptions, she added. The society already has $100,000 of that, through grants and donations, but needs an additional $180,000 by June 25 or the project as a whole will risk cancellation.

“We’re just all beside ourselves and if we don’t raise the money, that side is compromised. To be this close and not be able to finish it would be a colossal shame,” Setchell said.

To make matters worse, if the side isn’t fixed before Labor Day weekend, “there’s a real good possibility” the annual Lighthouse Music Festival would be cancelled for the first time, Setchell said.

That would be “devastating,” she added.

The society recently launched a Crowdrise page (Bit.ly/2rBk5BW) soliciting donations to close the funding gap. Over $13,000 in donations have been made as of deadline Wednesday.

Setchell said the society also recently applied for $145,000 grant from Gardiner Foundation that would be used specifically to fund the work on the collapsed side of the foundation.

“If we get the $145,000 then we would be much closer to closing the $180,000 gap,” she said.

With June 16 making the lighthouse’s 105th birthday, Setchell said she’s hoping it’ll get “a big fat birthday present.”