First look at damage in Charlestown

CHARLESTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) -- Some residents in Charlestown whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Sandy will get their first chance to see their property Saturday.

Charlestown police officers blocked off access to Charlestown Beach Road Sunday night but will open up the area to residents between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Residents will need a pass to get into the area, and town officials will be granting those on-site at a police checkpoint.  Non-residents will not be allowed in because of "significant damage" to septc and water systems in the area.

Building inspectors have examined the buildings in the area and will issue the color-coded passes based on the condition of the residence, but nobody will be allowed to move back in permanently until further wastewater tests are carried out by the town.