Comeback city

L.B. aims to boost tourism, support local businesses with new initiatives

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While last summer could be considered something of a rebound for Long Beach in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the city seems to be riding high this season, basking in good publicity and accolades.

Long Beach has been grabbing headlines and honors this summer season from local, regional and national news organizations. Its dining options — including the “Shoregasboard” food truck court — have been lauded in metropolitan area newspapers. The boardwalk and the beach were recently named a top attraction on Long Island, and Newsweek named Long Beach one of the cleanest beaches in the region, based on Natural Resources Defense Council statistics.

City officials say that Long Beach is reaping the benefits of last year’s marketing campaign — which included a commercial starring actor and comedian Billy Crystal. And officials say that the numbers prove it. As of July 15, the city has brought in $2.3 million in beach sales this season. That is up 30 percent over this time last summer, and in line with pre-Hurricane Sandy levels.

Seasonal and daily beach pass sales are up 42 and 14 percent, respectively, over last year. And although 30 businesses closed after the storm, 36 new ones have opened since then, with more coming before the council every day, according to City Manager Jack Schnirman.

“We’re trending in the right direction,” Schnirman said. “It’s all part of supporting our local businesses who were so badly damaged from Sandy, and helping them come back and get back on their feet.”

After a particularly rough winter for Long Beach businesses, many need the extra boost in the summer to keep them going. Many local businesses are owned by residents, Schnirman said, so helping them means helping residents. City officials also said that business prosperity benefits all residents, not just business owners. The commercial taxes businesses pay help keep residents’ property taxes down, and thriving businesses help boost property values. Home values in Long Beach are currently on the rise, they said.

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