The damage to Manasquan's eastern portions came into clearer view this week after the borough lifted access restrictions to eastern portions Monday.

The area allowed the return of residents as well as onlookers and contractors who were taking in the damage and reopening areas deemed safe.

While so many businesses and homes need renovation, and the remnants of storm-swept sand still lined many streets, still residents went about their normal routines as much as possible. 

Couples walked dogs along the battered beachfront. Children skatedboarded up and down First Avenue. Cars drove by, Christmas trees tied to the roof.

But still, spray painted red X's noted which buildings saw the worst damage. Contractor vans lined the streets and driveways. A recent fire reduced one house to ashes while 11 neighboring homes faced various degrees of damage.

The storm surge left its mark in so many ways in Manasquan, which several buildings rocked from their foundations, and so many others seeing widespread flooding damage. A water line appeared to reach higher than first floor windows in many buildings. Giant piles of wet sand crushed through several garages.

Other areas appeared unaffected. Newer homes seemed to escape without a scratch while neighbors' siding and doors were ripped off. The gazebo at Riddle and beachfront stood tall.

Check out this gallery of images from Manasquan Friday.

For the latest Hurricane Sandy coverage from Manasquan-Belmar Patch visit our topic page here.

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