Sandy-Ravaged Babylon Beaches Fully Restored For Memorial Day Weekend

BABYLON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Two Sandy-damaged beaches on Long Island have been fully restored, and are now ready to open for Memorial Day.

As TV 10/55 Long Island Bureau Chief Richard Rose reported Tuesday night, Babylon residents are ready for some fun and sun come Memorial Day weekend.

Workers have carved the final touches into the newly-rebuilt dunes that once again protect Overlook and Cedar Beach from the ocean's punishing waves.

The Army Corps of Engineers placed 5,000 cubic yards of sand along the shore, replacing what Superstorm Sandy washed away a year and a half ago.

"After living through the hurricane, I can't believe it's all back in once place," said Steve Civardi of Babylon.

Civardi said his family practically grew up on the beaches.

"I worked at this beach when I was in high school. I went here for -- came to this beach before there was a bridge; we used to come here by the ferry when I was a child," he said.

Ahead of the upcoming holiday, construction workers pounded 30-foot poles into the sand, just outside one beach vendor's restaurant.

"We're at Overlook Beach right now, preparing for the season -- building a new dining deck out front right now," said Fred Marsilio, owner of Beach Hut.

Marsilio said the deck will be ready in time for a live band to play for Memorial Day visitors.

Babylon Town Councilman Tom Donnelly said $10 million in federal grant money helped repair the beaches and the nearby marina, which he said "suffered incredible damage from Superstorm Sandy."

The upgrades include a new boardwalk featuring extra-strong Brazilian hardwood – offering a bright contrast to when Sandy's waves lifted thick pilings right up into the marina parking lot.

The repaired oceanfront had some residents dancing along the shore Tuesday, telling TV 10/55 they cannot wait for the beaches' official opening on Saturday.

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