A controversial Montauk beach project continues to spark uproar and protests.

Many local residents want to stop the Army Corps of Engineers from tearing down Montauk dunes and replacing them with thousands of sandbags.

Supporters say that the work is aimed at protecting the beach, as well as the downtown area to the north.

Critics believe the work will ruin the beach.

"Beaches are symbolic with Montauk," says Kevin McAllister, of Defend H20. "The science is in. History has shown us that walls erode beaches. Ultimately, this is being done to protect private properties at a direct sacrifice to a public beach."

Opponents of the project have filed a lawsuit to stop the work. They hope an injunction will be issued sometime this week.

In terms of potential storm damage, downtown Montauk is one of the most vulnerable downtowns on Long Island.

John Keeshan agrees. He's owned a downtown business for 40 years.

"If Sandy had hit 90 more miles east, we wouldn't be talking about protecting the beach. We'd be talking about rebuilding Montauk village, because it would be devastated," Keeshan says.