Home Depot, Coca-Cola to help kick off N.J. rebuilding

Atlanta-based Home Depot and Coca-Cola Co. will be front and center Monday when New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie kicks off a rebuilding effort in an area hard hit by Superstorm Sandy last November.

Home Depot will open a satellite storm recovery store in the new Seaside Heights Business Improvement District, and Coca-Cola will unveil a special commemorative bottle that is being released to celebrate Seaside Heights’ centennial anniversary.

According to shorenewstoday.com, data provided by the N.J. Department of Community of Affairs shows nearly 60 percent of Seaside Heights residences and more than 200 businesses were damaged by the storm.

Home Depot’s Pro & Design Center takes up some of the space once occupied by White Pearl Hotel on Sumner Avenue, according to The Star-Ledger. Scott Murry, the home improvement retailer’s regional vice president for New York and New Jersey, said the store’s staff of 25 includes six disaster relief associates who will drive around in company pickups to offer consultations.