SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (AP) — 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 (http://on.app.com/SagykB ) 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.

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Information from: Asbury Park (N.J.) Press, http://www.app.com