After a recent devastating fire severely damaged the northern pier at the Milton Landing, Supervisor Scott Corcoran gave an update on what is being done to repair the damage. The fire was caused by a tossed lit cigarette and was officially listed as an accident.

Corcoran recently visited the pier, accompanied by Deputy Supervisor Gael Appler, engineer Brandee Nelson and marine structural engineer Dan Ciaramicoli of Tighe & Bond along with Traveler’s Insurance Claims Agent Nathan Nowakowski and two fire inspectors from Kinsley Fire Investigations to assess the full extent of the damage. Town Highway Assistant Superintendent Gary Lazaroff provided a small boat that allowed a closer vantage point to assess the damage, especially to the underside of the pier.

“They did an observation of the pier, took all of their measurements, they looked at the various components of the structure and they looked at the heavy pylons and the cross-bracing, took pictures and obtained core samples to determine how deep the fire penetrated the pylons,” Corcoran said, adding that several adjusters have visited the pier to look at the underside, especially to evaluate the supporting pylons.

Nelson is compiling cost estimates to rebuild the pier that will be sent to Travelers’ Insurance.

Corcoran notes that the town has a $1.75 million insurance policy that will cover the pier repairs.

“I feel confident that our insurance will cover the damage and once we get the go ahead we will start putting it out to bid,” he said.

Corcoran said if Brandee Nelson has detailed information to report, he will invite her to the September 12th Town Board meeting, “but if not, I’ll just give an update when I get one.”