Community Corner

AFTERMATH: Eight Months After Hurricane Sandy, They're Back At The Beach

The shoreline was filled this week with people celebrating the Fourth of July weekend

The shoreline was filled this week with people celebrating the Fourth of July weekend, and the return of the beaches after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.
 
Many Long Beach Island renters, in particular, are finally back in their seasonal homes for the summer. 

Ian Krieger of Fanwood said that his summer home in Barnegat Light was thankfully unaffected by the storm.

Krieger said that he noticed some damage in nearby areas, but that they are almost all completely repaired. 

"You can tell they had to do some rebuilding, but it looks really great," said Krieger. "We're lucky to be back for the summer."

For some visitors, this is the first time back on the beach since the storm. 

Dion Natale, of Scotch Plains said that he does not see a difference in the island. 
He expected to see damage from the storm, but was surprised when he came back to the island, he said. 

"The beach looks exactly the same to me," said Natale. "It's crazy how so much damage was done, but it all went back to normal."

Bianca Marcazzo came to LBI for the first time from New Brunswick to celebrate the holiday with her family. 

Marcazzo said that she did not know what to expect at first.  "Everything looks untouched in my opinion," said Marcazzo. "It looks and feels as though there was no storm at all." 

Allison Grimm, from Scotch Plains NJ said that she could not be happier about the rebuild of LBI. 

Grimm said that she usually vacations in Bay Head, but wanted to see how the island looked after the storm. 

Grimm said that she has seen much damage in Bay Head, and was nervous to see the same for LBI. 

"They did a great job with everything down here," said Grimm. "I'm glad Long Beach Island was able to hold out." 

By Dakota Schrantz


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