Watch CBS News

Demolition, Cleanup Work To Begin This Week At Fire-Damaged Seaside Park Boardwalk

SEASIDE PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Demolition and cleanup work is set to begin this week along a Jersey shore boardwalk where a fire destroyed dozens of businesses.

Seaside Park and Seaside Heights officials have hired South Toms River-based Eagle Paving Corp. -- which is operated by the man who also runs FunTown Pier -- to do the work.

The $4.7 million project is expected to take 60 days, CBS 2 reported.

PHOTOS: Massive Fire Strikes Sandy-Hit Jersey Shore

The amusement pier was destroyed in superstorm Sandy and lost what was left in the Sept. 12 boardwalk fire.

Authorities said the fire began accidentally by wiring damaged during superstorm Sandy.

The fire started under a Kohr's frozen custard stand and the Biscayne Candies shop and raged for eight hours, destroying about 50 businesses over several blocks. Only minor injuries were reported.

Among the iconic venues that were damaged or destroyed in the fire were the the Carousel Arcade, Kohr's Frozen Custard, Jack & Bill's, and Maruca's Pizza.

The two towns plan to build a temporary dune to protect the shore line in the area where the debris is until new development begins.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories:

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.