LONG BEACH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Ravaged by superstorm Sandy, it was feared the only movie house in Long Beach would not reopen.

WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs On The Story

But it will and residents and business owners are thrilled, saying it’s badly needed.

“All the business around, the restaurants, the ice cream parlor right across the street, I get the summer sushi right next door,” one businessman told WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs.

He said it’s important to Long Beach’s economic recovery, but it’s important for other reasons too.

“I’m not an economist or whatever. I just know that we enjoy it and it’s good to have it opening and good to have the city coming back like it has,” said homeowner Betty Brady.

The owners of the four-screen theater say it is not clear when it will reopen, but it will reopen.