Local Businesses Suffering Due To Lack Of Facilities at East Matunuck

Contrary to popular belief, the recent demolition of the pavilion at East Matunuck State Beach has not proved to be a source of additional income for local business owners.

In fact, local businesses are suffering as fewer locals and tourists visit the beach following the temporary elimination of adequate facilities coupled with the recent hike in parking fees.

Some businesses, such as Birdsong Gallery located on Succotash Road, have tried to pick up the slack of what has been deemed poor planning in terms of timing of demolishing and rebuilding facilities.

Available parking has been halved since construction began, and Drew Wheelan, owner of Birdsong Gallery, has tried to earn an extra buck by selling snacks and charging beachgoers $10 to park at his store. 

Despite this newfound source of income, Wheelan is dubious he’ll survive the year to remain in business.

“Parking a few cars won’t make or break my business,” he said. “I opened Memorial Day and my biggest day so far was $120 in snacks and drinks. I made $5 gross today.”

Wheelan, along with many other residents and tourists, is upset about the current state of the facilities at East Matunuck Beach. He noted that nearly every person who visits his store comments about the absent pavilion.

“I’m not reaping any benefits,” Wheelan said of the lack of parking and concessions just down the road from his store. “But I’m providing a service." 

Ultimately, Wheelan is distressed about the effects of the situation. 

“As a person who’s trying to run a business down here, I’m irate about it,” he said.

And he is not alone.

Property owners who normally rent properties are facing hardships as well.

“A few people have complained that they rented a place to go to the beach only to find out that there is no food or bathroom,” said Joan Beaumier, manager of Wakamo Park, also located on Succotash Road.

Beaumier has seen some locals offering visitors a place to park for a small fee, even those who have paid for a season pass.

“They couldn’t get in because the parking lot was already full by 10 a.m.,” she said. “There are a lot of people who will pay to park after driving around for a couple hours trying to go to the beach. The fees, especially for out-of-towners, are ridiculous.”

But for the time being, Wheelan, among others, will continue to offer parking to beachgoers, hoping to keep his business afloat.