Press

By: Chris Sheldon

SEA BRIGHT: The borough planning board has given the approval to McLoone's restaurants to rebuilt their Sea Bright location, the Rum Runner.

The restaurant, located at 816 Ocean Ave., was flooded and destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, but will be rebuilt at a higher elevation.

The Sea Bright Planning Board unanimously approved the site plans and necessary variances at its April 8 meeting, according to board secretary Kathy Morris.

The old restaurant will de demolished soon and construction of the new site will begin shortly thereafter. The Rum Runner is expected to be completed in time for the summer of 2015.

A loan from the Economic Development Authority will allow the restaurant to be rebuilt at a cost of between $3 million and $4 million.

The building will be elevated 10 feet to protect it from future flooding and will feature an outdoor deck with a bar and dining area.

It will also have two interior rooms that will each be capable of seating about 60 patrons.

Although the new restaurant will be smaller than its predecessor, the reduction in size will allow for more on-site parking.