With less than three weeks until Memorial Day weekend, beach communities and businesses in New Jersey are racing against the clock to prepare for big crowds.

The Belmar Public Works Department is hard at work fixing ramps and stairs at some beaches. It is also leveling and cleaning the sand after Belmar was hit hard by April?s nor?easter. Some wooden planks along the boardwalk between 3rd and 5th avenues are also getting replaced with plastic recycled ones.

Meanwhile, stores and restaurants are cleaning up, restocking supplies and hiring more help.

?You have a weird out of the blue 80-degree day and if you?re not ready, you?re sitting here watching all the people pulling on your door,? said Nick Fuccilla, owner of Casa Vittoria Pizzeria.

Some residents have also been out working on their base tans for the summer.