How Steven Mezynieski Helped Bring Montauk’s Shoreline Back to Life
How Steven Mezynieski Helped Bring Montauk’s Shoreline Back to Life
Ditch Plain Beach in Montauk, New York, has long been more
than just a beautiful stretch of sand. It’s a beloved surf spot, a gathering
place for locals, and a symbol of Long Island’s rugged coastal charm. But in
early 2024, this cherished shoreline faced a serious threat. After being
battered by three consecutive nor’easters, the beach suffered heavy erosion,
leaving homes, roads, and the local ecosystem dangerously exposed.
With floodwaters rising and the structural integrity of the
coastline at risk, the community had a decision to make: wait and hope or act
quickly to protect the place they love.
That’s when we at Southampton Excavation, led by founder
Steven Mezynieski, were called in to help. And we answered fast.
Emergency Coastal Resilience in Action
The urgency of the situation couldn’t be overstated. Coastal
roads were flooding. Backyards were disappearing. The very landscape that
defined Montauk was slipping away.
Fortunately, a grassroots petition from the Ditch Plains
Association gained traction, and the East Hampton Town Board swiftly approved
an emergency beach restoration plan. Within days, we mobilized our team and
equipment to bring over 11,000 cubic yards of sand to the site.
The goal was simple but critical: rebuild the beach berm and
establish a natural barrier to defend against future storms.
“Our work is about more than sand and equipment,” says Steven
Mezynieski. “It’s about protecting homes, preserving ecosystems, and helping
maintain the way of life people love out here.”
This project showcases what Southampton Excavation does
best—responsive, environmentally responsible solutions to urgent land and
coastal challenges.
Two Phases, One Shared Goal
The restoration of Ditch Plain Beach was carried out in two
key phases:
Phase 1: Emergency Sand Replenishment
In spring 2024, our team completed the initial and most
urgent phase. We rebuilt the beach’s storm berm with clean, locally sourced sand
to create a resilient buffer zone along the coastline.
Phase 2: Dune Stabilization and Planting
That fall, Coastal Science & Engineering, a specialized
coastal engineering firm from South Carolina, completed the second phase by
restoring the dune system. This included reshaping natural contours and
planting native grasses to hold the sand in place long-term.
Together, these two phases did more than just repair the
beach. They fortified it, offering protection for future generations and
preserving community access.
Built on Experience and Trust
Our involvement in Montauk is part of a much broader
portfolio of work across the Hamptons and Suffolk County. Clients, public and
private, count on Southampton Excavation for:
- Coastal
defense and erosion control
- Heavy
equipment contracting
- Site
development and land grading
- Municipal
and residential excavation
We’re known for delivering precision work, on time, with open
communication and a commitment to protecting the environments we work in.
Whether it’s restoring a beach, preparing a foundation, or supporting public
infrastructure, we do it with care and credibility.
Why We Share Stories Like This
We believe in the power of work that speaks for itself, but we
also know the value of showing how and why we do what we do. Projects like the
Ditch Plain Beach restoration represent more than technical success; they
reveal our values, our approach, and our deep respect for the communities we
serve.
Every shoreline we protect is a reminder that construction
can be a force for good and that emergency response can be delivered with both
speed and integrity.
Have a Project in Mind?
Whether you’re facing an urgent erosion issue, planning a
development, or simply want to understand your land better, we’re here to help.
💬 Have questions or a project in mind? Contact us through our website or connect with us via another channel.
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