The Seaside Heights, NJ roller coaster which was knocked off a pier and into the ocean when Hurricane Sandy hit, may stay put to serve as a tourist attraction.
Seaside Heights Mayor Bill Akers believes the partially intact roller coaster sticking out of the ocean would draw in tourists as it is quite the site to see. A decision has not been made to tear the remains of the roller coaster down as of yet. Mayor Aker is working with the Coast Guard to determine if the structure is stable enough to be left alone.
"Who ever thought they'd see a roller coaster in Seaside Heights in the ocean?" New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie asked during a press conference.
The rest of the damaged boardwalk was demolished and plans to have it rebuilt before the summer are already in the works. Construction is set to begin in January and is expected to be complete before the summer season kicks off on Memorial Day.
Other business and property owners are determined to rebuild structures that were damaged. Mike Mergott of Mad Mike's Amusements said he is rebuilding because he is "one hundred per cent sure" families want to come back to the popular tourist area, according to NBC.
Property owner Jim Loundy doubts another Superstorm will hit any time soon. Several of his buildings were destroyed by the surge but he doesnt think a storm like Sandy will be around for at least "another fifty or sixty years."
Seaside Heights won't be the same after the storm, but being a popular summer beach destination, it is likely that tourists will be back on the sand and the boardwalk next summer, even if the Jersey Shore cast won't be there as the current season is their last.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
