In December 2025, DNREC issued a notice that David Heffernan had applied for a permit to construct a 10’ wide concrete dune crossover for pedestrians as well as vehicles in Prime Hook. According to the application, the path would also serve as a boat ramp.
“We have had a shared crossover structure between our property and the adjacent property since my dad and stepmom built the house in 2003, it has been replaced numerous times over the years. The wood doesn’t last,” Heffernan wrote in his application to DNREC. “More recently, our family and guests have wanted to bring small trailers over the dune to carry small boars, beach chairs, etc. and the four-foot-wide crossovers do not work to enable this. To protect the dunes and allow the launch of jet skis, we need a 10’ wide crossover. We view this as an asset for our special needs guests.”
Heffernan also stated that the Milton Fire Department was in support of the path as it provided an additional emergency access to the beach in their service area. The letter continued, stating that the path had already been constructed, and the application was submitted after the fact.
In January 2026, DNREC denied the permit and ordered the concrete path removed and the dune restored. According to DNREC, there were 28 letters submitted during the review period with 27 opposed to the structure. The only supporting response was from a neighbor who shared the cost of the construction.
This week, Heffernan appealed the decision, citing the benefits of an additional emergency access for the fire company and EMS. A letter from the Milton Fire Company, submitted with the application, supports this claim.
“The Milton Fire Company fully supports the installation of a 10’ wide concrete ramp crossing the dunes at the subject property,” the letter, signed by John A. Hopkins, III, Fire Chief, read. “The ramp will provide an important official public function of providing access to the beach for emergency vehicles. It is directly connected to the applicant’s driveway and therefore a very convenient way to quickly get to the beach without damaging the dunes.”
There was no word on how long it would take for the appeal to process, but the path will remain until a decision is reached.
