Brown Park
Atlantic City’s Brown Park, which has drawn headlines for all the wrong reasons in the past, is now standing testament to some incredible community work in the city. The combined wills of planning director Elizabeth Terenik, Councilman Kaleem Shabazz and several others, plus a financial contribution from Stockton Island Campus developer ACDevCo and some government funding, have performed nothing short of a total facelift on the park and the work isn’t even finished yet. Read The Philadelphia Inquirer piece by Amy Rosenberg here and check out the pictures.
Safe Communities
On the subject of working across city communities to make places safer for everyone, you should watch this piece by SNJ Today on the Coalition For A Safe Community. The project, which began in Atlantic City and Pleasantville, has recently expanded to Galloway Township and Egg Harbor City and there are plans to add more municipalities in Atlantic County. The coalition brings together community members, law enforcement officers and faith-based leaders from all over the county and it aims to improve relations between different constituencies in each community.
Boardwalk Starbucks
The planned new Starbucks cafe in Boardwalk Hall will have an outdoor area, Route 40 reports here. It is not clear when the cafe will be open, but it has a license from the city to serve outdoor food and drink this year through November. The rebuild of Boardwalk Hall to accommodate the Seattle-based coffee chain is being part-financed by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, which oversees the public property. The addition of Starbucks, approved by CRDA last October, casts a fresh light on the Authority’s plan to spend $2 million refitting bathrooms that have been out of use and unneeded for decades – presumably they will serve Starbucks customers.
Dunes
Margate, which spent considerable time and effort fighting the state’s plan to extend dunes the length of Absecon Island, said the construction work will happen over the summer beach season. Route 40 reported here that Margate City said the work will begin Memorial Day and extend through Labor Day.
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The rest of the news from the weekend and this morning includes the shock razing of a revolutionary-war-era landmark in South Jersey, a new regional crime-fighting unit led by the state police, and Harry Hurley’s latest on how the local election battles are shaping up. All that and more below:
Security Guard Stabbed Breaking Up Fight in Casino Bar–Two people were stabbed during a fight inside an Atlantic City casino early Saturday morning. Police responded to the Xhibition Bar inside Harrah’s Atlantic City just before 4 am.
LoBiondo Blasts Potential Trump Budget Cuts to Coast Guard–New Jersey's US Rep Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, had some strong words Saturday for President Donald Trump in response to reports the president is going to drastically reduce maritime security in his forthcoming budget proposal. Press of Atlantic City
Free Trees for Energy Savings from Atlantic City Electric–Atlantic City Electric may trim hundreds of trees a year along electric service lines to keep their boughs from pulling down wires. But the utility knows trees help cool homes in summer and protect them from cold winds in winter. Press of Atlantic City
Torpedoes Found By Demolition Crew Under Ocean County Home–A demolition crew found two torpedoes under the foundation of a house Wednesday morning. Police said the torpedoes were found at 10:30 a.m. under an “old shanty house” next to the Meineke Car Care Center at 350 Atlantic City Blvd. Press of Atlantic City
Middle Township Considering Crackdown on Vacant Properties–The Middle Township Committee is set to vote Monday on a bill that would crack down on owners of vacant properties, more than a year after the remains of a teenage girl were found under an empty house in Rio Grande. The ordinance would require owners of vacant properties to register with the township, as well as to maintain and secure their properties. Press of Atlantic City
Coast Guard Discontinuing Several Navigational Aids in Little Egg Inlet–The US Coast Guard on Monday will temporarily discontinue six navigational aids in Little Egg Inlet due to shoaling and other navigational safety concerns. Press of Atlantic City
‘Captain’s Table Reception’ Helps Feed Atlantic City Area Families–The money raised from a special event is helping two charitable organizations feed families in need. In conjunction with the Atlantic City Boat Show, the third "Captain's Table Reception" took place Thursday night, March 2, on the showroom floor. www.snjtoday.com
New Addiction Treatment Option for South Jersey Veterans–The Wilmington VA Medical Center (VAMC) and Maryville Addiction Treatment Center of New Jersey announced a new partnership to expand substance abuse treatment for veterans in South Jersey. Maryville, in Gloucester County, is now part of the VA’s Choice provider network of care. Cape May County Herald
21 Busted In Major South Jersey Heroin, Crack, Guns Ring–Twenty-one people have been busted in a major New Jersey heroin and crack cocaine ring called "That's Al Folks," according to authorities. Ten firearms - including 9 handguns and a rifle - along with heroin, powder cocaine and crack cocaine were seized. Ocean City, NJ Patch
Lobiondo Among NJ Republicans Who Voted No on Repealing Obama Workplace Safety Rules–Reps. Frank LoBiondo and Chris Smith have a long history of supporting labor unions. NJ.com
Lower-Priced PSEG Transmission Project Still Raises Cost Concerns–The regional operator of the power grid is reviving a controversial transmission project involving the complex of nuclear plants operated by PSEG Power in South Jersey. The staff of PJM Interconnection is recommending a slimmed-down version of the project, which has generated heated debate because costs have increased significantly since it was initially announced back in 2015. www.njspotlight.com