Landmark Carousel To Stay In Seaside Heights

Mayor William Akers and the Seaside Heights Borough Council have introduced an ordinance that would swap land in order to keep the historic Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Dentzel-Looff Carousel in town, according to the borough’s website.

The ordinance would approve the exchange of municipally owned beach property north and south of Casino Pier for vacant property located on the oceanfront between Carteret and Sampson Avenues.

“The title to the historic carousel will transfer to the borough of Seaside Heights so that its presence in the town will be ensured perpetually,” the website states.

The plan will come as good news for many Ocean County residents, who were saddened last month to learn that Casino Pier owners said market conditions were forcing them to sell the attraction. Some of the carved wooden horses were built as early as the 1890s.

The carousel was built in 1910 and has called Seaside Heights home since 1932. It survived years of storms, including Superstorm Sandy.

Casino Pier plans a major expansion with the property being acquired from the town. More details will follow in the coming weeks, according to the township website.