Manasquan: Beach Damaged, Downtown Fine

While Manasquan works hard to rebuild its beachfront, it's downtown remains virtually unscathed -- a message Borough Administrator Joe DeIorio says needs repeating.

"We need to get the message out that we are open," he said.

As the borough resurfaces its asphalt beach walkway, sifts beach sands and secures damaged beachfront, stores along such places as Broad Street are its own destination that reopened as the power went back on after Hurricane Sandy.

But that area struggles against assumptions that the whole borough is closed from the storm, DeIorio said.

"Tell everyone: that is not the case," he said.

The perception problem needs to be overcome to bring tourism back to both the downtown and the beachfront, he said.

The borough plans to step up its messages on its website and facebook to help battle the misconception, he said.