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MONTAUK, N.Y. — As wealth rises and short-term rentals increase, towns across the country are facing significant changes. The recent death of a young fashion entrepreneur in a quiet fishing village on the eastern edge of Long Island has raised concerns about the impact of these shifts.
Martha Nolan, a 33-year-old Irish immigrant, was found dead on a luxury yacht docked at an exclusive marina in New York. Authorities are still investigating the cause of death.
Locals in the area are worried about the growing party culture, influenced by social media influencers and young professionals seeking glamorous getaways.
Martha Nolan, of Manhattan, was found unresponsive on a boat in Montauk, New York. The 33-year-old entrepreneur owned a resort-wear company. (Martha Nolan/Instagram)
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“It’s absolutely changed,” said Tommy Rando, a local marina operator. “Social media put Montauk on the map. It used to be a fishing village… now it’s a very happening place.”
“This is mostly a peaceful, family-friendly spot,” another resident mentioned. “But in the summer, there’s a younger crowd that parties hard. You see the yachts, the nightlife — it’s become an escape for New York’s elite.”
The town of Montauk has seen a surge in luxury redevelopment, attracting wealthy visitors via the vibrant yacht scene.
Revelers party into the early morning hours, with boats becoming floating extensions of the nightlife scene.
A sign to Montauk Harbor. Locals say the once-sleepy fishing village has been transformed by social media influencers, short-term rentals and a party nightlife. (Michael Dorgan/Fox News Digital)
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Michael Brown, a former DEA senior special agent, highlighted the risks of drug use in the area, emphasizing the dangers of laced drugs.
Drug-related fatalities have decreased slightly in recent years, but concerns remain.
Men toss a baseball across the sand as tents and umbrellas dot the Montauk shoreline. (Michael Dorgan/Fox News Digital)
Local dealers have been known to spike drugs with substances like fentanyl, leading to increased risks for users.
One longtime resident expressed sadness at the changes in the town, noting the influx of outsiders and a shift in the community’s character.
Montauk is known for its fishing industry. A towering fiberglass shark dangles from a dockside pole. (Michael Dorgan/Fox News Digital)
Montauk has transformed into a hub for influencers and partygoers, with drug use becoming a concern in the community.
Despite these changes, life continues in Montauk, with locals and visitors enjoying the town’s offerings.
People walking in Montauk this week following the death of Martha Nolan (Michael Dorgan/Fox News Digital)
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Despite recent events, Montauk remains a picturesque destination for many, offering a mix of relaxation and activity along its shores.
The tragic death serves as a reminder of the complexities beneath Montauk’s serene surface, prompting reflection on the town’s evolving identity.
