COUNTDOWN TO ELECTION DAY
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
VOTE COLUMN B!
Executive Director/C.E.O of Lucy the Elephant Endorses Mayor Don Guardian for Re-Election
On November 7th, the voters of Atlantic City will elect a mayor who will not only chart the course for Atlantic City for the next four years and beyond, but indeed Atlantic County and most of Southern New Jersey. For what happens in Atlantic City affects US ALL.
I have had the privilege of knowing Don Guardian for more than 20 years. This man is not a politician, he is a statesman. He doesn’t treat people based on color or economic status; he treats everyone with equality. Everyone is treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity. Don is beholden to no single group or individual. His only allegiance is to the people of Atlantic City. When Don took his oath of office, he swore to lead Atlantic City to best of his ability. And he has done nothing short of that.
With both hands tied behind his back by the state, he somehow managed to keep Atlantic City from sinking. He fought hard for the people of Atlantic City to the best of his legal ability. And now, four years later, there is a shining light at the end of the tunnel. Stockton University and South Jersey Gas are investing more than $200 million into our City. Hard Rock International will open in 2018 after investing more than a half billion dollars into our City. Boraie Development is building 250 market value housing units in the south east inlet. Phase One of the inlet section of boardwalk has been completed and is now open. Steel Pier will open its $14 million dollar observation wheel this month. Pacific Avenue has been completely re-paved and most of Atlantic City’s street lights have been replaced with new energy efficient LED lighting. The Baltic Canal flood prevention program is underway and nearing completion. And the list goes on. Mayor Guardian has accomplished all of this at no expense to the Atlantic City tax payers…and for the first time in almost a decade, the taxpayers have received a 5% reduction in their property taxes this year.
Last year, the Mayor’s office organized a “Trunk or Treat” program for the children of Atlantic City and thousands of Atlantic City’s kids had a safe place to go for Halloween. We were proud to participate last year and we were there again last night. During his swearing in on January 1st, 2014, Mayor Guardian wanted all people of Atlantic City represented. Citizens from many cultures and communities spoke. That sense of inclusion began on day one of his administration and has never wavered. Don is a Mayor for ALL the people of Atlantic City.
Four years ago, Don asked for your vote to fix Atlantic City’s problems and put her back on course. The voters of Atlantic City made the right choice. Because of you and the choice you made four years ago, Atlantic City’s future looks bright. Don is asking for four more years to finish the work he has started. I urge you to make the right choice once again.
Sincerely,
Richard Helfant
Executive Director/C.E.O.
Lucy the Elephant
National Non-Profit Victory Fund Endorses Mayor Don Guardian for Re-Election
We are excited to announce the Victory Fund has given Mayor Don Guardian their endorsement.
For more than 25 years, the Victory fund have helped elect hundreds of LGBTQ candidates who pushed equality forward for communities around the country
The Victory Fund endorses candidates for local, state and federal elective office who identify as LGBTQ and support full equality for the community, support efforts to safeguard privacy and reproductive freedom, and demonstrate community support.
According to the Victory Fund, when LGBTQ elected leaders are in the room, they humanize our lives, impact policy and legislative debates to vote in favor of equality.
Key Atlantic City Community Leaders Endorse Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian for Re-Election
(Atlantic City, NJ) - On Monday, October 16th, 2017, Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian announced a key endorsement for re-election of mayor from important local Atlantic City community leaders.
Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian said: “Today, I humbly accept the public endorsements of four key Atlantic City community leaders: former Atlantic City Councilman Ernest D. Coursey, current City Council President Marty Small, Sr., Reverend Collins A. Days, Sr., and Bishop R. Fulton Hargrove II. These four community leaders have been serving Atlantic City residents for many decades, and truly represent our Atlantic City community. By giving me their endorsements today, I thank them for putting their trust in me to lead Atlantic City for the next four years.
Ernest Coursey and Council President Marty Small had the courage to stand up against the governor and outside Camden County political bosses to do what’s right for the residents of Atlantic City. I am also honored to accept the personal endorsements of two faithful community leaders - Reverend Collins A. Days, Sr. and Bishop R. Fulton Hargrove II. Reverend Days and Bishop Hargrove have always put the needs of Atlantic City residents first. Whether it’s providing food to the hungry, a place to stay for the homeless, rest for the weary, or encouraging the broken hearted with comforting words, they have always served our community with love and compassion. I humbly accept their powerful endorsements.”
Ernest Coursey stated: “I am endorsing Don Guardian for mayor of Atlantic City. I am honored to call Don Guardian my friend. This election is not about Democrats versus Republicans. This election is about electing the best person to serve as mayor of Atlantic City. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Don Guardian is the best person. He has worked tremendously hard over the past four years, and has earned the right to serve Atlantic City residents for four more years. We must vote to re-elect Don Guardian because Atlantic City cannot go backwards. Too much progress has already been made under the Guardian Administration. I am honored to support Don Guardian for re-election as mayor of Atlantic City.”
City Council President Marty Small stated: “As a Democrat and City Council President, I truly believe that current Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian is the best candidate for Mayor. Don and I fought hard against the State takeover on behalf of the residents last year, and we worked well together for the sake of moving Atlantic City in the right direction.The same can’t be said about Frank Gilliam. Frank is bought and paid for by political bosses near and far, and is nothing more than a Manchurian candidate. Councilman Frank Gilliam was missing in action during the most important time in our City’s history because he was promised things by political bosses. Frank is nothing but an obstructionist voting ‘no’ on issues to save our city, flip flopping positions for political gain, and more importantly, offering no solutions. Frank Gilliam is temperamentally and professionally unfit to serve as mayor of Atlantic City. Lastly, special interest candidate Frank Gilliam is still a stranger to the community, only becoming visible during the Mayoral campaign. As seen in the Primary, Frank Gilliam will do and say anything to get elected, as proven by his alliance with former Council President Craig Callaway and his organization. The last time Callaway was in charge of the city, we all know how that ended.
Don Guardian has earned my respect as mayor. He crosses party lines to get things done. This election is too important to worry about party lines (Democrat vs Republican) and racial lines (black vs white). It’s about who is more qualified to serve the residents of Atlantic City, and Don Guardian has earned the right to be mayor for the next four years. As I always stated ‘I may not always do the popular thing, but I take pride in doing the right thing by the residents of Atlantic City.’ Re-electing Don will keep the Mayor’s office in local control. Don isn’t only the better candidate but he’s the better person. He is a good man, and that’s why I wholeheartedly endorse and support Don Guardian as the best person for mayor of Atlantic City. I will make sure that all of my family, friends, supporters, and voters from the June Primary vote for Don Guardian for Mayor.”
Reverend Collins A. Days, Sr.: “Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian has proven himself to be the right mayor for Atlantic City. He has endured many trials and tribulations over the past four years, but still leads our community with optimism and faith. Mayor Guardian has blessed our community with his dedication of serving with wisdom and discernment. So many things have been done for our community in the past four years that I feel he deserves another term to be our mayor. He shows up to every event to offer his support. I have not seen any mayor work harder than Mayor Guardian. That is why I am endorsing Don Guardian 100% for re-election as our mayor of Atlantic City for the next four years.”
Bishop R. Fulton Hargrove II: “I have watched Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian closely since he was elected mayor and I am truly impressed with his record of accomplishments and his love for Atlantic City. In particular, he is sincerely committed to the residents and doing what’s right for them. Like Nehemiah in the Old Testament, I have watched Mayor Guardian work to rebuild Atlantic City so that it can be vibrant again for all residents. And like Nehemiah in the Bible, when critics tried to keep him from doing his work, he says, ‘I am doing a great work and cannot come down.’ This is the type of leadership we need. We need a leader who is focused on rebuilding Atlantic City for everyone, and that leader is Don Guardian. I support Don Guardian for mayor of Atlantic City.”
Another section of the A.C. Boardwalk to officially open this week
Atlantic City (Oct 9, 2017) — Another part of the Boardwalk reconstruction is expected to be unveiled this week.
The second phase of the project connects the missing section from Madison to Melrose avenues, near Oscar E. McClinton Junior Waterfront Park.
The section now has a rock seawall and a steel bulkhead running parallel to it. This is part of the $50 million project that’s working to extend the Boardwalk to Gardner’s Basin.
“It’s continuous now,” Mayor Don Guardian said Friday. “It’s really the first new-style boardwalk we’re seeing.”
Atlantic City P.B.A. Local #24 ENDORSES MAYOR DON GUARDIAN AND RON BAILEY,
STACEY KAMMERMAN AND PAUL TONACCI FOR CITY COUNCIL
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (September 28, 2017) – Atlantic City Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local #24 officially endorsed Mayor Don Guardian and his running mates Ron Bailey, Stacey Kammerman and Paul Tonacci for City Council At-Large.
In a written statement, the Atlantic City P.B.A. said:
The members of Atlantic City P.B.A. Local 24 have suffered more adversity, pain and heartache combined in the last several years then we have in the history of this department. However, one thing that was unlike any other time in that same history was a fair and open relationship with the Mayor of Atlantic City.
We deeply considered the impact of an endorsement in a long history of political neutrality and in almost all cases neutrality should be continued. However, when basic workers’ rights are stripped on a whim, political bosses and their money target us, and we feel used as pawns, we have no choice but to use the only thing we were left, our voice.
Any politician can tell a group of hardworking men and women what they want to hear in times when they need something during election time but a leader will always tell the truth no matter how hard or difficult to hear.
That is why we are proud to announce that just as he has stood by us during times of repeated attacks, political rhetoric and uncertainty, we endorse the re-election of Mayor Don Guardian and his team of Stacey Kammerman, Paul Tonacci, and Ron Bailey for City Council as they face the same.
“This endorsement is deeply meaningful to me. I have the utmost respect for the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day. We have been through tough times and still we stand strong together. Even before I was sworn in as mayor, I met with members of the Atlantic City Police Department to figure out ways to make Atlantic City Safer and to improve community relations. Since 2014, we’ve had great success with both,” said Mayor Don Guardian.
“Together with the members of the Atlantic City Police Department we have made tremendous strides in making our city safer. We reduced violent crime. We reduced Internal Affairs complaints. We launched the state-of-the-art surveillance center at the Public Safety Building. And we did it all while reducing the budget in a fair and responsible way. I am proud of what we have achieved together with the members of the Atlantic City P.B.A. and I am looking forward to four more years to Rebuild Atlantic City.”
LLA-PAC Endorses Reelection of Don Guardian as Mayor of Atlantic City
New Brunswick, NJ (September 18, 2017).-The Political Action Committee of The Latino Leadership
Alliance, the largest Latino advocacy organization in New Jersey representing professional leaders and
most of the leading Latino organizations across the state, announced today its endorsement of the reelection
of Don Guardian as Mayor of Atlantic City.
"LLANJ PAC is proud to endorse Don Guardian for Mayor of Atlantic City," said Dr. Maria Teresa
Montilla, President of LLANJ-PAC. "Don is a true and very active community champion who was born
and raised in New Jersey to parents with a long history of service and commitment to others. He is a
seasoned committed leader who has dedicated his entire life to fight for our working families, for better
quality of life, for the advancement of our diverse communities, for effective cost management, and for
the progress and prosperity of our diverse communities. His first term as Mayor was marked by his
characteristic fighting and positive spirit, and a relentless commitment to the well-being of all the people
of Atlantic City."
In accepting such a historic endorsement announced today at 12:30pm in his campaign headquarters at
2309 Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City, NJ, Don, said:
"I am privileged and lucky to receive the official endorsement from LLANJ-PAC, a unifying and inclusive
organization totally committed to the socio economic and political advancement of all of us in New Jersey.
Receiving this historic endorsement from such a distinguished and important entity reminds me of what
I've learned from my parents as I grew up in New Jersey; my parents instilled in me the importance of
being committed to public service and to possess a steadfast belief that, together, we can climb any
mountain and solve any problem."
"Don will continue to serve the people of Atlantic City with distinction, as he has done over the past four
years" said Paul Perez, VP of LLANJ. "With his public management experience and unrelenting
commitment towards implementing effective innovative quality of life initiatives, and his passion to serve
the people, he has been a Mayor for Everyone."
Atlantic City in great position to take advantage of sports betting
Atlantic City (Sep 12, 2017) — For decades, sports fans have dreamed about heading to a casino property in the resort and placing a bet on their favorite National Football League team to cover the point spread.
That’s a long shot for this year, but come the 2018 season, it could be a reality. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear New Jersey’s challenge to the federal sports-betting ban. Arguments are expected to be heard in the coming months, with a decision expected in 2018.
If the court overturns the ban, casino properties in the city are expected to act quickly to take advantage of the hundreds of millions of dollars in potential revenue.
“Since Atlantic City already enjoys online Internet gaming, the introduction of sports betting will be an easy addition for us,” Mayor Don Guardian said. “We will be able to attract sports fans from all over the world, inviting them to spend a few nights in Atlantic City to watch amazing sporting events like the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby and so much more. If sports betting is approved, Atlantic City will continue to be a leader in this industry.”
Five South Jersey fire companies receive federal grants
Atlantic City (Sep 6, 2017) — The Atlantic City Fire Department and four volunteer fire companies in South Jersey have received more than $1.2 million in federal funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo announced Wednesday.
The grants will be used “to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources required to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards,” according to a news release from LoBiondo’s office.
Atlantic City will receive $611,364, its seventh AFG award.
Atlantic City microgrid project advances to power facilities in emergencies
ATLANTIC CITY (Sep 3, 2017) — A plan to establish a local power grid to serve the city as a backup in emergencies took another step forward Friday.
The Board of Public Utilities formally announced Friday $175,000 in funding for a feasibility study to bring the so-called “microgrid” energy system that would keep facilities operational in major storms. The local grid would be one of 13 projects the BPU is funding statewide with $2 million.
The microgrid project is meant to create an energy system that would keep facilities open in storms such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The grant money provides the resources to conduct a feasibility study and move to the next phase of the project proposal....
Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian on Friday cited the conditions in Houston following Hurricane Harvey.
“That’s what we need to be prepared for,” he said. “Resiliency needs to be a word in every project that we do.”
The board established a Town Center Distributed Energy Resource Microgrid Feasibility Study program, and awarded all 13 applications with funding. Board officials said the time frame to complete the feasibility study is about four months.
“It’s going to provide us for a great safety net for when the next storm hits. It’s just a matter of time,” Guardian said.
12 (Definitive!) InsiderNJ Races to Watch as the Fall 2017 Campaign Season Amps
The Diner Booth (Aug 29, 2017) — Republican Mayor Don Guardian (pictured at the top of this story), the openly gay, bow-tie-wearing city steward who won an unlikely citywide race in 2013, earned his spurs in the eyes of many as an uncompromising, no-nonsense and fearless fighter for local control against the imposing twin barrels of Governor Chris Christie and South Jersey Democrats.
Now he wants a second term, and this time he will have to get through Atlantic City Councilman Frank Gilliam, who bested fellow Democrat Marty Small in a bloody primary. Guardian has a gutsy brand name, and possibly the benefit of Small sitting on his hands after getting bested by Gilliam.
He also has a close affiliation with favored state Senate contender Chris Brown (see below).
Is $220 million A.C. Stockton Gateway project ready for fall 2018 opening?
ATLANTIC CITY (August 24, 2017) — In just four months, several empty lots lining Albany Avenue have been transformed into the outline of what will become Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus and a six-story South Jersey Gas office.
“We’re on schedule and we’re moving right along,” Stockton University Project Manager Mark Ciccotelli said during a tour of the $220 million Atlantic City Gateway Project last week.
The project is scheduled to be open for the fall 2018 semester.
The steel structure for the 200,000-square-foot beachfront residential building is visible from the beach several blocks away, and a parking garage next door is nearing completion.
“It’s impressive. I drive in every day along Albany Avenue and I can’t get over how much it changes on a daily basis,” said Brian Jackson, chief operating officer for Stockton’s Atlantic City campus.
He said that as the excitement builds, the college is giving more tours of the campus to faculty, staff and students leaders who have arrived back to campus.
“There’s a lot of interest, and we anticipate this coming spring that we will really kick into high gear as far as marketing the campus,”
Jackson said.
When complete, the complex will house 533 students and 15,000 square feet of retail space along the Boardwalk and on Atlantic Avenue, as well as a fitness center. Jackson said they have been in contact with local, regional, and national restaurateurs to develop the retail space.
Christie signs Atlantic City early-retirement bill for public safety workers
Atlantic City (Aug 26, 2017) — A Superior Court judge rejected the state’s plan to cut the size of the Fire Department on Friday, but a bill signed later in the day by Gov. Chris Christie could lead to staff reductions through early retirement.
Judge Julio Mendez’s ruling blocked state overseers from cutting 50 firefighters, a move Mendez said would compromise the safety of residents and visitors.
The bill Christie signed Friday could provide an alternative route to shedding staff. Senate Bill 3311 requires the state to offer an early-retirement incentive program to the city’s police officers, firefighters and first responders facing layoffs.
In signing the bill, Christie cited the success of the state’s stewardship of the city since November under the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act. His statement cited the city’s “great strides to secure its finances and its future,” citing a drop of 11.4 percent in the city’s overall property-tax rate, the resolution of casino property-tax appeals and recent investments in the city.
State Sen. Jim Whelan dies at age 68
ATLANTIC CITY (Aug 22, 2017) — State Sen. Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, who spent more than 30 years in public life, died Tuesday. He was 68.
Whelan, a former Atlantic City teacher, was the city's mayor from 1990 to 2001. He also served on the City Council and was a member of both the state Assembly and Senate.
Whelan underwent surgery to remove cancerous cells from his kidney in early July at the University of Pennsylvania, according to his Facebook page.
The surgery was a success, but Whelan experienced complications from blood thinners, he said in a July 31 post on his Facebook page.
Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian always appreciated Whelan's guidance when he first became mayor. Whelan showed him the ropes during his first few months.
"He took me under his wing like a big brother. Jim dedicated his whole life to public service to Atlantic City, whether serving as a lifeguard, a coach and teacher, councilman, mayor or state senator. I will keep him and his family in my prayers. May he rest in peace," Guardian said in a statement.
George Norcross wants to help Atlantic City, and that's making some local leaders nervous
ATLANTIC CITY (Aug 22, 2017) — Sometime after the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel closed, George Norcross decided to visit the Boardwalk casino property to see if he wanted to buy it.
He looked down from the roof of the property and saw an aging, decrepit motel nearby — one he remembered seeing as a child. It was a legacy of the city’s past, one that, despite untold millions in investment, had never been removed.
“Nothing ever happened. All this money and ... . It’s a real tragedy,” Norcross said. “If we’d had casinos in Camden, you’d be looking at Las Vegas East.”
At age 61, Norcross has been called one of the most powerful people in New Jersey. The Camden County Democratic powerbroker is also the chairman of Cooper University Hospital in Camden, head of a national insurance company and also the leader of a coalition of South Jersey Democrats.
But while he wields power, he’s a self-professed salesman at heart. For the past seven years, he has been relentlessly promoting Camden’s climb from the ashes of bankruptcy and violence to a city that President Barack Obama, in a May 2015 visit, hailed as a symbol of hope.
Now he wants to do the same for Atlantic City.
Bangladesh festival returns to Atlantic City Wednesday
Atlantic City (Aug 15, 2017) — The annual Bangladesh festival is returning to the city Wednesday.
The festival is called a Bangladesh Mela, or village fair, which is a large part of Bangladesh culture.
The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Sandcastle Stadium, 545 N. Albany Ave.
The all-day event will feature vendors, entertainment, food, singing and dancing. Thousands attend the event each year, said Mo-hammed Islam, the president of the Bangladesh Association of South Jersey.
Islam said he expects about 5,000 people to attend this year.
Atlantic County shared services to save Atlantic City money
Northfield (Aug 9, 2017) — The Atlantic County Freeholders unanimously approved Tuesday three shared-services agreements with Atlantic City that will save the resort more than $1 million and generate close to that amount for the county.
The county entered shared-services agreements with the city for transportation services for seniors and the permanently disabled, for home-delivered meals and for public health services such as flu clinics.
Atlantic City budgeted $2 million for services that the county will provide to it for $936,431, said Frank Formica, the freeholder board chairman.
Atlantic City Triathlon celebrates athletes from all over
ATLANTIC CITY (Aug 5, 2017) — LaShawndra Thornton had one thought as she ran down the Boardwalk toward Kennedy Plaza: “Don’t die.”
The 31-year-old Washington, D.C., resident was participating in the seventh annual Atlantic City Triathlon and was just hoping she could finish the race.
As she passed the finish line, with a crowd cheering her on, Thornton was happy she participated.
“This was on my bucket list, and I decided to sign up in April. I’m here and I’m tired, but I’m very excited,” she said with a smile.
More than 1,500 athletes competed in the event, according to show runners. Participants swam in the harbors of Atlantic City’s back bay, biked along the Atlantic City Expressway and ran on the Boardwalk...
Pier AC outdoor bar on Atlantic City Boardwalk opens
ATLANTIC CITY (Aug 5, 2017) — Another outdoor Boardwalk bar has made its way to the resort.
Pier AC, sitting at the old Garden Pier between the Showboat Atlantic City hotel and the former Revel Casino Hotel, opened this week and celebrated in a grand opening Friday night.
The space at New Jersey Avenue and the Boardwalk brings an outdoor entertainment environment with a bar, stage and seating area that look toward the ocean, said Jersey Boyz Production managing partner Rob Erickson, a managing partner for Pier AC.
“It has been a steady increase every day,” he said. “We’re really getting local support.”...
Fans pack Atlantic City for Ruff Ryders beach concert
ATLANTIC CITY (August 4, 2017) — On a night worthy of "#Throwback Thursday," the Atlantic City Beach Fest concert series featuring Ruff Ryders was a mix of new school and old school rap and hip hop Thursday.
Opening acts Drag On, the LOX and Fat Joe performed their top hits with tribute moments to rap legends Notorious B.I.G and Tupac Shakur.
By 9 p.m., the crowd was ready for Ashanti — the goddaughter of Lorenzo Langford, a former mayor of the resort — and Ja Rule. They closed their set with two duets, "Mesmerized" and "Always on Time."....
"It was important to me that we had diverse lineup like we did last year with Bell Biv DeVoe and En Vogue. It was very successful. Having the Ruff Ryder's tour come to town just adds another great performance to the beaches of Atlantic City. I'm looking forward to the energy and excitement they will be bringing on August 3rd. I know the 6,000 plus tickets we gave away to Atlantic City residents last week shows just how much excitement there is locally for the concert," Guardian said...
Wedding of the Sea to be held in Atlantic City
Atlantic City (Aug 3, 2017) — The annual Catholic tradition of the Wedding of the Sea will take place Aug. 15.
The Diocese of Camden announced the event will begin at noon at Boardwalk Hall, with a Mass in the Adrian Phillips Ballroom. Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan will celebrate the Mass, then lead a procession to the ocean to row out into the water in a lifeboat with Mayor Don Guardian to toss a wreath into the sea as a part of the ceremony...
Atlantic City’s Tun Tavern hosts charity night Thursday
ATLANTIC CITY (July 27, 2017) — A portion of the bill at Tun Tavern Thursday could be donated to help people in financial need.
Tun Tavern is hosting a “Dine-to-Donate” event for NJ SHARES, an organization that provides grant assistance to help pay utility bills for people facing financial challenges.
From 11:30 a.m. to midnight Thursday, guests who present a coupon — available through the NJ SHARES website — will donate 20 percent of the bill to benefit the Atlantic County NJ SHARES program.
Candidate Paul Tonacci and Asociación Cultural Latina Inc. presents American Citizenship Campaign
ATLANTIC CITY (July 27, 2017) — Paul Tonacci and the Asociación Cultural Latina Inc. will assist area residents completing the first steps of the naturalization process, the N400.
The event will take place at the UNITE HERE Local 54 building at 1801 Atlantic Ave, A.C. NJ 08401 on Tuesday, August 1st, 2017 from 4-8PM.
For more information, Click Here>>
Psst — Atlantic City boardwalk expands
ATLANTIC CITY (July 26, 2017) — The famous Atlantic City boardwalk extended last month, giving joggers, bikers and casual strollers even more to love. The new section runs past the former Revel property to The Ocean at 101 Boardwalk apartment building.
“The reconstruction of this section of the Boardwalk has been talked about for decades,” said A.C. Mayor Don Guardian in a statement. “By rebuilding the Boardwalk in this area, the Southeast Inlet becomes an attractive area for biking, strolling, beachgoers and future development.”
Construction began on the extension a year ago, and a grand re-opening ceremony was held earlier this month. The city still has plans to rebuild the boardwalk beyond Oriental Avenue.
Atlantic City to give away free beach concert tickets to residents
ATLANTIC CITY (July 25, 2017) — Starting Tuesday, living in the city could land you a free ticket to see Ruff Ryders and Friends in concert on the beach.
Mayor Don Guardian said Monday the city will give 6,000 tickets to city residents to see the third beach concert of the summer Aug. 3, thanks to a partnership with Live Nation.
Tickets will be given out during designated times from Tuesday to Thursday at City Hall. Four tickets per residence will be distributed, and they will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To get the tickets, you must show proof of residency at the City Hall lobby during the following times:
City tax levy down 70 percent from 2012
ATLANTIC CITY (July 28, 2017) — Five years ago, the resort’s tax levy hovered near $200 million. Now the city, currently under state oversight, has been able to cut that number by more than 70 percent, according to a review of city budgets.
This year’s $206 million municipal budget is supported by less than a $57 million tax levy, the city’s lowest since 1985, when it totaled $51.3 million.
The tax levy does not include more than $69 million in payments in lieu of taxes payments by the casinos. But even factoring in the PILOT payments, tax-generated revenue is still down nearly 40 percent from 2012.
The reduction in the tax levy and property taxes has led both Mayor Don Guardian and Gov. Chris Christie to take credit for the city’s stabilized finances. The city was put under state oversight in November following years of financial mismanagement.
“You know Atlantic City is heading in the right direction when your municipal property-tax rate decreases by 5 percent, your entire property bill decreases by 11.4 percent, and the city’s overall property-tax levy is the lowest it’s been in over 30 years,” Guardian said. “We have cut spending, reduced our work force and we’re wise stewards of taxpayers’ money.”
Officials announce 11 percent tax rate decrease for Atlantic City residents
ATLANTIC CITY (July 21, 2017) — Residents will get a larger tax cut than anticipated this year, city and state officials said Friday.
Gov. Chris Christie announced in a statement an overall 11.4 percent tax rate decrease for city property owners on Friday, the first tax cut in almost a decade.
City Council accepted its $206 million budget July 11 with a proposed 5 percent cut in the municipal purpose tax rate, bringing it to about $1.80 per $100 of assessed valuation.
Christie Administration Bolsters Atlantic City Recovery with Programs to Grow Small Businesses
TRENTON, NJ (July 12, 2017) – The New Jersey Economic Authority (EDA) today joined with Atlantic City to announce the availability of two new programs that will provide grants to street level businesses in designated commercial areas of Garden State Growth Zones (GSGZs). Created through the New Jersey Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) of 2013, GSGZs include Atlantic City, Camden, Paterson, Passaic and Trenton.
Administered by the EDA in collaboration with GSGZs, the Business Lease Incentive (BLI) and Business Improvement Incentive (BII) programs are designed to support the growth of new and expanding retail and service businesses in targeted commercial corridors. In Atlantic City, businesses located in Main Street and the Downtown Loop areas are considered eligible, as detailed here.
Atlantic City Council accepts budget with tax rate decrease
ATLANTIC CITY (July 12, 2017) — City Council on Tuesday accepted its first budget with a tax cut in almost a decade, agreed to seek buyers for Bader Field and adopted an ordinance to ensure a public vote on any sale of the water authority.
After volunteers delivered more than 2,000 signatures to push for a public vote on the sale or dissolution of the Municipal Utilities Authority in June, advocates and activists against the sale of the water authority packed council chambers.
Five people approached the podium to speak on the ordinance before it was passed 8-0, with one abstention...
In other business, the city’s budget was accepted after a public budget hearing before the meeting. The proposed budget called for a nearly 10-cent reduction in the local property tax, to $1.80 per $100 of assessed value.
But Mayor Don Guardian said taxpayers could even see a larger cut in their total tax bill due to possible cuts in both school and county taxes, once both are approved.
“It’s going to be a much greater decrease than 5 percent,” Guardian said.
The budget now moves to Trenton, where the local finance board will consider it for adoption Wednesday.
The $206 million budget is $35 million less than the previous year. Under the new tax rate, the owner of a $141,000 home — the average home assessment — would save about $135 in taxes, officials estimate.
The budget, the first accepted since the state took over the city’s finances in November, will include $13 million in transitional aid from the state for tax appeals.
Atlantic City first-time homebuyer program continues offering help for homes
ATLANTIC CITY (June 19, 2017) - Just before the start of 2015, Atlantic County natives William and Melanie Mancuso got married and wanted to settle down in the city.
William and Melanie, now 29 and 27, weighed their options but were unsure where to go or how to pay for a house.
“It’s very stressful applying for a mortgage when you’re young, when you’re a first-time homebuyer,” Melanie Mancuso said.
But about three months after tying the knot, they moved into their new home in Chelsea Heights, thanks to the Atlantic City First-Time Homebuyer Program. The Mancuso family made their dream a reality, the couple said.
“It all worked out for us,” Melanie said.
The program has helped purchase 57 homes for families and residents of the city since 2009, offering financial help on down payments and closing costs, said Donna Harris, assistant director of redevelopment in the city’s Community and Economic Development Division.
It offers income-eligible city residents zero-interest, forgivable loans toward the purchase of a new home through the city Community Development Block Grant office, Harris said. Using funds from the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program, families who have not owned a home in three or more years and have an income at or below 80 percent of the median income — which would have been about $44,000 for the couple — can receive help, Harris said.