NJ Roller Coaster Submerged by Sandy Won't Stay Under Water

A roller coaster swept off a New Jersey amusement pier by superstorm Sandy won't remain as a tourist attraction partially submerged in the ocean.

Seaside Heights Mayor Bill Akers told the Asbury Park Press the town and the owners of the Casino Pier are in talks to remove what remains of the Jet Star Roller Coaster.

The mayor last week told NBC 4 New York that the coaster would make a "great tourist attraction." But he now says that "was not the brightest comment."

Casino Pier officials said they are still assessing the damage.

The mayor said construction of a new boardwalk should begin in January and be ready by Memorial Day.

Meanwhile, homeowners in a hard-hit Long Beach Island community are getting the first look at what remains of their properties.

Holgate is where the Atlantic Ocean met the bay when the storm hit last month. Water rushed under oceanfront homes after breaching vulnerable dunes.

All Holgate residents were allowed to return home as of 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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