Beach pavilion renovated after Sandy
By: Melissa Randall
@MRandallABC6
To say Hurricane Sandy did a number on the Westerly town beach is putting it lightly, but nearly three years after the destruction things are finally getting back to normal. The popular pavilion has been completely renovated and is now back open to the public.
“I feel elated. This is a great project. We've worked really hard,” said Amy Grzybowski, Town Manager.
Grzybowski says Westerly is resilient. Even a super-storm couldn't keep residents, or beach goers, down for long.
“When I stepped out here on October 29, 2012 and I saw the 3–4 feet of sand on Atlantic Avenue to clear roads and all the businesses are back— it's a wonderful feeling,” she explained.
The facility has been raised, reinforced and moved back 40 feet from the shoreline to better protect it against any future storms. Rhode Island's congressional delegation helped the town get 85% of the funds needed to rebuild.
“It says that Westerly and Misquamicut are here to stay, and we can take a punch like that and come right back,” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.
The facility houses concessions, rest rooms and life guard quarters. Angelo Comforti was nearly brought to tears by the sight. The pavilion is dedicated to his late father, Frank "Shorty” Comforti.
“We're really proud of it. Ya know? And he's lookin at it. And he'd be happy now,” said Comforti.
Visitors are equally impressed.
“It looks great. It really does!” said Merryl Goldstein who is a frequent visitor.
“It's beautiful. It's just gorgeous,” said Joan Botelho who was at the beach Monday.
© WLNE-TV 2015
