Despite earlier remarks by mayor, New Jersey coaster submerged by Sandy will not remain as attraction

Oct. 31: Waves wash over a roller coaster from a Seaside Heights, N.J. amusement park that fell in the Atlantic Ocean during Superstorm Sandy. (AP)

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. – A roller coaster swept off a New Jersey amusement pier by Superstorm Sandy won't remain as a tourist attraction partially submerged in the ocean.

Seaside Heights Mayor Bill Akers tells the Asbury Park Press the town and the owners of the Casino Pier are in talks to remove what remains of the Jet Star Roller Coaster.

The mayor last week told a TV station that the coaster would make a "great tourist attraction." But the mayor now says that "was not the brightest comment."

Casino Pier officials say they are still assessing the damage.

The mayor says construction of a new boardwalk should begin in January and be ready by Memorial Day.