Ventnor Memory Park
VENTNOR – The Planning Board is scheduled to review a preliminary and final site plan for a pocket park to be built on Ventnor Avenue in the North Beach section.
A use variance was among several variances approved on Sept. 17, 2018 to build the Ventnor Memory Park on an inside lot on the 5000-block between Oakland and Nashville avenues. Now, it’s time to provide the board with all the details, according to part-time resident Paula DeLuca, who is the driving force behind the “small green oasis.”
The park, which is being designed by Ventnor architect Todd Miller of QMA Architects, is seen as a welcome addition to four narrow lots that make up the 80- by 87-foot space, which has been vacant for 10 years.
DeLuca said all the necessary documentation for the site plan review was submitted to the Planning Department in February and that VMP has not received any questions in writing from city planner Roger McLarnon.
The hearing will review details about the park, including underground water infrastructure, landscaping with drought tolerant, native plants and trees and lighting. The site plan shows the location of all amenities, including a gazebo and shed at the rear of the park, an “on demand” splash pad, and the location of the pumps needed to operate it.
“It’s a technical submission about what’s going with the water, electric, etc.,” she said.
DeLuca said they decided to go with a “coastal Victorian” design for the gazebo.
Although residents were hoping to be able to use the park this summer, DeLuca said it is likely the park won’t be completed until fall.
“I would like to see it open up in fall with groundbreaking sooner rather than later,” DeLuca said.
Once the site plan is approved, construction will start with removing the foundations of four townhouses that were previously located on the site.
“We might two-phase it with Phase 1 for infrastructure and Phase 2 for the gazebo and ancillary fixtures,” she said.
DeLuca gifted land acquisition costs totaling $250,000 and is providing zero-interest loan for the Esther, Joseph and Scipio Memorial Charity Foundation, Inc. to build the park, estimated to cost another $250,000 to $300,000. Contributors large and small will pay back the loan through naming rights for the gazebo, purchasing bricks, fundraising, etc. User fees will keep the park self-sustaining, she said previously.
The park will be open to churches, businesses and groups, and be available for special events, including holiday happenings and small weddings. User groups will be screened, pay a fee to use the park, and gain access through keyless entry system. A caretaker who lives in the neighborhood will monitor the park, ensure its cleanliness and assist with scheduling use of the park.
The hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 at Ventnor City Hall.
