Sea Bright Hardware Store Brings Post-Sandy Community Together
SEA BRIGHT, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The comeback in Sea Bright, N.J. has been progressing slowly, with very few businesses having reopened since Superstorm Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore.
But as WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported, one business owner feels a strong commitment to reviving the town.
"We're just finishing up shelving, and having to display it," said Frank Bain, owner of Bain's Hardware in Sea Bright.
Sea Bright Hardware Store Brings Post-Sandy Community Together
After losing about $500,000 in inventory, Bain rushed to reopen his hardware store.
"We're part of this community, and we want it to be a beacon of light," Bain said.
And other members of the community said that is what he has been.
"Business has been good, and that's due to community support," Bain said. "People have waited. They're going out of their way to come to Bain's Hardware."
Earlier this week, Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long said just 300 of the town's 1,500 year-round residents have moved back into their homes.
Sea Bright officials have said volunteers are still needed to help gut homes to get them ready for rebuilding.
Long said she expects that some homes will never be rebuilt. And of the ones that will, she said she anticipates most will be elevated to prevent similar devastation from happening again.
But Bain has expressed confidence the town will recover. Long said the beach will be open for summer regardless of its condition.
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