http://wbztv.com/video/?id=69623@wbz.dayport.com

http://www.orgov.org/beachbill.html

It's called coastal erosion and it's why people aren't supposed to construct large dwellings on sandy shores. When you understimate the power of Nature to reclaim that which has been taken from her, well she reminds you why that's a bad idea. Following the heavy wind and rain we had yesterday, a house on Plum Island in Newbury began falling into the water. By morning, so much land had eroded that the owner had no choice but watch as a demolition crew knocked the rest of the house down. If you follow the link, or read the transcript, you'll see the owner of the house express her frustrations with the Town of Newbury's inability to do more to protect her house. If you're like me, you'll be shouting at the computer screen, "Um HELLO! You built your house on the beach. What did you expect to happen when waves started lapping against your deck? I mean, did you NEVER build a sandcastle as a kid and then watch as the rising tide washed it away?!"

In any event, it seems to me that scenes like this have become more prevalent in recent months thanks to hurricanes, floods, etc. And for many whose homes have been or are at risk of being washed away, it begs the question to rebuild or not to rebuild. In my mind, however, these disasters seem to create an opportunity for local/state/federal planning officials to reevaluate the use of certain types of land/areas. Perhaps, as more and more Plum Island homes get swept away, the Town of Newbury will be forced to reconsider some of its zoning policies. And perhaps something like the Oregon Beach Bill will come out of this.

I suppose we'll have to wait and see.