In the face of another powerful storm approaching South Portland this Saturday, residents in the already impacted areas are bracing themselves and taking proactive measures to safeguard their properties from potential damage. Willard Beach, which suffered significant impacts during the recent storm, has prompted local Mainers to take matters into their own hands.

John Murphy, a resident of Willard Beach for the past four decades, expressed concern over the ongoing erosion and potential risks to his property. In an effort to fortify the area, Murphy arranged for an excavator to place five truckloads of boulders to reinforce the banking at Willard Beach. His immediate focus is to protect not only his home but also the nearby sewage pump station and the entire neighborhood, emphasizing the need for city intervention as well.

Murphy suggested the installation of a seawall along the entire length of Willard Beach as a potential solution to prevent future erosion, citing the unfortunate history of houses being washed away in Camp Ellis, Saco. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, he emphasized the importance of addressing this issue promptly rather than waiting for destructive consequences.

A spokesperson from the South Portland City confirmed that the parks and recreation department would assess the storm damage and initiate cleanup operations in the coming week. Regarding the proposed alternative solutions, the city stated that a comprehensive plan of action would be discussed once the extent of dune damage has been evaluated.

As South Portland braces for the approaching storm on Saturday, all eyes are on the noon high tide. With residents like John Murphy proactively working to protect their properties and urging the city to take action, the community hopes that the combined efforts will help minimize potential damage and secure the future of Willard Beach and its surrounding areas.