A section of Rockaway Beach will be closed to the public this summer to protect swimmers and beachgoers, the New York Post has learned. The city is planning to close off the section that stretches between Beach 91st and 102nd Streets due to the lack of sand, and to protect a dune that has been installed there since Hurricane Sandy.

Queens elected officials expressed disappointment in the decision. Borough President Melinda Katz told the Post that it would hurt the local economy in what is essentially the peak season in this area.

City officials however told the Post that they were prioritizing the safety of local residents, and beachgoers above all else in their decision to shutter this section. The closed section accounts for about half a mile of the beach. The city pointed to the fact that there are still 4.5 miles of usable beachfront, and the entire stretch of the Rockaway boardwalk from Beach 88th to 91st Streets.