"Hometown lost and found" is an occasional commentary about people, places and things that make up our community. It has been absent for a while, but at this time of high summer, our thoughts turn to beaches, and what has been lost; and to what, if anything, can be done.

The topic this week, in one word: Shorelines.

It is no secret that erosion takes a terrible toll every year on this area’s most exposed shorelines. Islands, marshes, wide beaches, and even large pieces of land have disappeared.

A century ago, developers planned a huge housing complex and resort around New Point Comfort Lighthouse. Today, the area proposed for this oasis is covered by Chesapeake Bay waters. The lighthouse stands on a pile of rocks, awaiting a promised breakwater that, at least, will offer some protection against the worst waves of a hurricane.

But think what has been lost!

New Point is just the most visible instance of hundreds in this area that have suffered tremendous loss....