The owners of a Jersey shore amusement pier that became an iconic image of the damage wrought by Superstorm Sandy have received approval to rebuild part of the site.
The Coastal Area Facilities Review Act permit granted for the Casino Pier in Seaside Heights also allows them to relocate their Sky Ride cable car attraction.
The pier is where the Jet Star roller coaster plunged into the ocean when Sandy hit in October 2012, becoming one of the most enduring images of the storm.
The permit was issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection, The Asbury Park Press reported. It allows the pier's owners to rebuild a 225-foot by 266-foot section and move the Sky Ride 160 feet to the north of its current location.
The permit allows for pilings and a foundation for the rebuilt pier to be installed, Seaside Heights Borough Attorney George Gilmore told the newspaper.
In a related matter, the DEP has not yet decided if Seaside Heights can swap 1.3 acres of public beach for lots owned by the pier's owners. The deal also calls for preserving a historic carousel that the company had intended to sell.
Gilmore said borough officials hope the DEP will make a decision shortly on the land swap. The proposal has received strong support by many in the town's business community, but has been panned by some residents who say the borough should not give up any part of its beach.
