Buena’s Problem
Buena is in the Pine Barrens, about as far on the other side of Atlantic County as it’s possible to get from our fading Queen of Resorts. Yet it is suffering a similar financial crisis. Mayor Dave Zappariello put it this way: “It is a dire picture,” said Zappariello. “Buena Borough does not have a spending problem. We have a revenue problem. There are not enough commercial ratables that can ease the burden of the residential tax.” Sound familiar? The comments were made last night at a public meeting, attended by representatives of Vineland and Franklin Township, who could help Buena save some cash by entering a shared services agreement for policing. The problem is, just like Atlantic City, how does this help fix the revenue problem? It’s interesting to note that Buena also recently raided its water authority for some cash to shore up its finances… What happens down the line when the population is still shrinking, there’s an increasing revenue problem, and even fewer opportunities to reduce spending? Although some costs will fall in tandem with the population declining, the debt load that is weighing on municipalities from Atlantic City to Buena will still need servicing. Read more about Buena’s policing plan at NJ.com.
Tuckahoe sunset, by @timmcglynn on Instagram
The Other Ventnor
Route 40 is based in Ventnor, New Jersey. Half of Route 40 (Elinor – hi!) grew up just across the water from the original Ventnor on the Isle of Wight in England. If you’ve ever wanted to know what Ventnor, UK, looks like, take a look at our story. Now we just have to find out who was inspired – and why – to name Atlantic County’s Ventnor after the town on the Isle of Wight. Get in touch if you have some ideas.
In the rest of the news from the last 24 hours, read how Atlantic City native Don McGahn became embroiled in the Trump/Flynn controversy, an air-quality alert has been extended, and – wow – including financing, the total cost of the Trenton statehouse upgrades could come to almost $750 million. All that and more below:
Local Figure Skaters Help Adrian Win Bronze Medal–Olivia Margulis of Northfield helped Adrian (Mich.) College to a third place overall finish at the U.S. Intercollegiate Team Figure Skating Championships April 14-16 at Miami University of Ohio. The Adrian varsity figure skating team is coached by Tricia DeFelice of Ocean City. Shore News Today
Horseshoe Crabs, Which Pre-Date Dinosaurs, Spawn in Droves on Delaware Bay–The incoming tide gently laps at the shore at Kimbles Beach as moonlight glistens off the Delaware Bay. The night is quiet but for the eerie, muted sounds of clacking, like hollow rocks tumbling underwater: It's the noise from hundreds of horseshoe crabs bumping together for their annual spawn on Delaware Bay beaches this time of year. Press of Atlantic City
AC. Trash Collectors Angry Service Privatized Despite Council–Angry Atlantic City workers and residents criticized the state’s move to privatize trash collection Wednesday night during a long public-comment portion of a City Council meeting. The meeting came two days after officials running a state takeover of the city bypassed the council to approve a three-year, $7.2 million contract to Gold Medal Environmental of New Jersey, a company in Gloucester County. Press of Atlantic City
Brigantine Names New Fire Chief–Tige “Tiger” Platt, a 20-year Fire Department veteran, was sworn in Wednesday night as Brigantine’s new fire chief. When firefighters achieve a new rank, a family member usually holds the Bible as they take their oath. Press of Atlantic City
Miss America Organization Names New President–The Miss America Organization named a new president at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., this week. Josh Randle, 29, was promoted to president and chief operating officer after two years as COO. Press of Atlantic City
Stockton Enrollment Rising Along With New AC Campus–As its new campus rises in Atlantic City, Stockton University president Harvey Kesselman said Wednesday that projected enrollment also is rising and he is confident the 533-bed beachfront residential complex and academic building will be full when they open in fall 2018. “My biggest concern was building this and not having it filled,” Kesselman said during a tour of the Gateway site with Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian. Press of Atlantic City
Kids to Parks Day Kicks Off this Weekend–Sarah Hullihen, a sixth-grade student at Veterans Memorial School in Vineland, is a part of the National Park Trust Buddy Bison School program. With the help of the Vineland Environmental Commission, she put together a local version of the 7th annual Kids to Parks Day. www.snjtoday.com