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Mario Tama / Getty Images
Waves are seen on Nov. 16 breaking around a roller coaster destroyed during Superstorm Sandy in Seaside Heights, N.J.
A crumpled roller coaster partially submerged in the Atlantic Ocean off of New Jersey's boardwalk won't stay there as a "tourist attraction," despite the town's mayor advocating for that a week ago.
The iconic Star Jet roller coaster in Seaside Heights was destroyed when Sandy crashed ashore Oct. 29, wrecking parts of Casino Pier and tearing the coaster from the boardwalk.
On Monday, Seaside Heights Mayor Bill Akers said that borough officials and Casino Pier owners have been in talks to remove the coaster from the ocean, where it has sat since the storm, reported The Asbury Park Press.
Akers got criticized when he told NBC New York last week that he was working with the Coast Guard to see if the ride was stable enough to just leave as-is.
If it was, he said, it would make "a great tourist attraction."
Mario Tama / Getty Images
The destroyed roller coaster is seen in Seaside Heights, N.J., on Oct. 31.
His comments came after demolition crews finished removing the rest of the damage in the area in preparation for businesses to rebuild on the boardwalk, the town's financial and communal beating heart.
“Everyone all over on Facebook was commenting on it and took a shot at me,’’ Akers said, according to The Asbury Park Press.
On Monday, Akers tried to clarify his "tourist attraction" remark.
"I told them [NBC New York], that I did not have an issue with it [staying], it’s not my decision since its private property,’’ Akers said to The Asbury Park Press. “That was the extent of my comment, and then all of this firestorm. It was not the brightest comment.’’
He added, “If it was going to stay, there are issues... Does it have to be anchored down properly? And the Coast Guard would need to approve it. The whole situation is unfortunate.’’
According to Akers, tourism makes up 75 percent of Seaside Heights' budget, with the remaining 25 percent coming from property owners.
“Our biggest concern is returning the boardwalk to where it was before the storm,’’ he told The Asbury Park Press. “Tourism is the lifeblood of this town."
Construction of a new boardwalk is scheduled to begin in January and be ready by Memorial Day, according to NBC New York. Casino Pier officials are still assessing the cost of the damage.
Courtesy Joel A. Rogers of CoasterGallery.com
An archival image of the Star Jet is seen at the Casino Pier, N.J., in 2007.
The now-defunct Star Jet roller coaster was built in 2002 by Portland, Ore.-based E&F Miler Industries. It replaced a decades-old roller coaster that had been in its spot and was demolished to make room for the new steel one, Fred Miler, principal of E&F Miler, told NBC News on Tuesday.
The ride had a maximum height of 52 feet, according to coastergallery.com.
Its name, Miler said, has caused some confusion.
"It's called the Star Jet," he said. "There was another coaster there that it replaced -- it was called the Jet Star. Sometimes they still use that name."
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Leave a Comment:
What a fun roller coaster that was, I'm sure they'll replace it with one just like it!
Thankfully, this idiot came to his senses. Not only would the roller coaster become a rusted out eyesore in very short order, it would turn into a major hazard. Too many people would be tempted to climb on and play around the thing. This would no doubt lead to many injuries and hazardous rescue situation for lifeguards and other emergency personnel. The idea of leaving it there was just plain stupid and asking for trouble.
Not to mention it would be like having a pile of garbage in your front yard.
Take a nice picture, sell the prints at a trendy shop.
The "Coasties" won't allow it to remain...hazard to navigation. And, it is a health, safety, public welfare issue......you have to know that (more than one) person will get hurt/impaled/dead while attempting to climb/dive off it.
Yep, I came here to say as much.
Yeup! leave it up to the idiots to kill it for the rest of us.
This is as much "national" coverage as this storm and its aftermath have gotten; all, except for Obama's visit to kiss Chris Christie's ass the week before election day. The damage, and injury done by this storm, was/is every bit as bad as that done by Katrina.
The difference being; the national media had a field day with George Bush's FEMA, while it gives a pass to Barrack Hussein Obama's FEMA.
But then again, the media gives him a pass on everything, including situations in which people die needlessly.
Come on MSM, do your job.
Ask questions about why there are food and supplies sitting in trailers at an airport parking lot, that have not been delivered to the victim's of Sandy, who desperately need them?........also ask a question or two about Bengahzi while you're at it..
Seriously? How many people died at our embassies under Bush? More than four! Quit politicizing their deaths to make Obama look bad. Rather, understand that to normal Americans it makes the republicans look bad. Obviously the election taught them nothing. Bengahzi was a terrorist attack, regardless of what prompted it. Drop it already and worry about real problems, like the fiscal cliff. Regurgitating this BS gets old to everyone that doesn't watch Faux News.
And Z man proves why the Rethugs got trounced on election day. Good luck with your dwindling party base and racist chatter. RRRepublicans, Rich, Religious or Racist....
Really? That is all we saw for three full weeks before, during and after the storm. Do you live in an area that lost electricity so you were unaware of what was being covered on the national news?
RepubsGone and basedrum - aren't you criticizing Republicans for exactly what you are dong, that is, pointing a finger at the other party? Grow up. The election is over. There is no need now, for that matter, there was never a need, for all the name calling and politicizing. BTW, no one has to make Obama look bad. He does that all on his own.
This is why the GOP is a failing party. Everyone involved has the shortest memory around. What a tool.
Go back to the 1950's where you belong.
Zman...this storm gets constant coverage. Where were you? And I can't believe someone would try and use this as a way to bash the President. Really sad. People lost their homes, some died. Show some respect.
ZMan2012... regarding your statement.
"Ask questions about why there are food and supplies sitting in trailers at an airport parking lot, that have not been delivered to the victim's of Sandy, who desperately need them?. "
Can you be more specific with this comment. What airport and exact location at the airport are you taking about and how old is this information you are stating right now. Perhaps some of us who care to act and do something will make sure these supplies gets distributed if what you are saying is true.
Your political comments is not helping anyone right now but if you have truthful and verifiable claims, about these supplies, you are doing your countrymen a favor that you should be proud of.
Why is politics even an issue here? The mayor saw an opportunity and looked into it. He did what any mayor should do, sought advice about a possible money maker. He then admits it was a bad unsafe idea. I know I disagree with his policies but he was thinking of income for the city.
I would love to go there and take a picture before it's gone. And i'm sure i'm not the only one.
Election is long gone ... leave it behind. Time to move forward. Try thinking about America first and stop being bitter.
Could just turn it into a water slide..?
Kids love water slides...lol
Looks like it did turn into a "water slide"
It looks great as a work of "art." (better than a lot of the "art" I see in town sqaures all over the country.
What they need to do is never rebuild in that area again. Its completely idiotic that they allow people to live so close to the ocean but have flood insurance backed by the federal government. If you want to live there then pay your own way.
And I live in NJ so yes I understand what the shore towns bring to us. Staten Islanders and VD's mostly.
basedrum777:
And you aren't a BENNY?
Not a big fan of Benny's. Nice after Labor Day when they all go home.
Hey Mayor Akers, how does your foot taste?
The mayor wasn't thinking correctly on this one.It's just a bunch of junk in the otherwise beautiful ocean.
It's heart breaking to see the devistation along the New Jersey Shore from Sandy. I grew up giong to Sea Side Heights in the summer. We had so much fun on the original roller coaster, playing the wheels and of course the iconic "boardwalk food". At least we have good memories aboiut the shore.
Hurry, Hurry, Hurry! Come to the Beautiful Jersey Shore and see our... garbage.
Quite the "tourist attraction" to be sure. How do you possibly top it?
Perhaps a guided tour bus through the refinery/chemical production area!
Bring the kiddies! Free balloons! Have your picture taken with Toxic, the Glow-in-the-dark Clown!!
Yeah, they'll be lined up for miles...
Moron!
'Smatter, Terry, born without a sense of humor?
Pity, that.
Rebuild it BETTER.
We tried to go on the big ferris wheel that also sits in the ocean, now, too; I think it was in 2007. There was a light mist falling, not rain, but the operator hesitated, and finally said that he just couldn't let us on the ride that night, he was just not sure how safe it would be. The place was past its prime and needed upgrading.
Rename it "American manufacturing" and people will go there to stare at it. Because they always wonder where it all went. Thank you, Mr. President.
So, does anyone know whether it got moved during the storm intact or did they suffer that much beach erosion? The article does not mention it and I'm not familiar with 'Jersey. Sorry to interrupt all the political slamming and banging with a question about the article....
You just ask what i was thinking
The roller coaster is on a pier extending out to the Atlantic Ocean. The pier collapsed submerging the roller coaster. There is also go-kart track, mini-golf and other arcade games attraction. If you have been to Santa Monica pier in Los Angeles, it is something similar in setup.
Dear RedBlue. Maybe they just created the first underwater amusement park and they don't even know it. Scuba go-cart; the arcade plunge. You know, just brain storming.
redblue560clk-Thanks for the explanation!
Sorry Mr. Mayor....tourism is important but the storm was a tragedy. You want a wrecked roller coaster as a reminder? And it would have looked stupid anyway. No one would visit because a roller coaster is in the water. Come on man.
It was the JET STAR not Star Jet.
First coaster I ever rode.
Looks kind of rickety in the "before" photo. I guess that adds to the thrill. :)
Rebuild? make it amphibious this time.
Gotta love those Jersey folks. A tourist attraction? Too funny!!!
I'm thinking haul it out further to sea. It would be out of the way. It would become a reef and a home for critters. It would be a divers tourist destination.
Maybe they can cut it up and sell it piece by piece on E-Bay ?? I'm sure someone will go for it!!! People will buy anything these days if you market it right !!
Why don't they just rename it the Water Park Coaster?
It looks like an apocalyptic ruin from a Planet of the Apes or Mad Max movie.
"Akers got criticized when he.."
"Got" criticism?
Nice butchering of the English language, NBC.
Aker is a tard. The guy wants to trash your view. Clean it up and move on. Get a chipin and rebuild it.