Santucci’s is planning a summer opening.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR – The Board of Commissioners Thursday, April 9 introduced an ordinance that would allow arcades in commercial districts.
The ordinance allows arcades as an accessory use in commercial buildings that have an occupancy load of 200 people. The arcade area can be no larger than 700 square feet and cannot offer prizes or tickets redeemable for a prize. The ordinance would allow automated games, pinball machines, video games and other devices for play. The arcades can only operate when the primary business is open to the general public.
“It’s a nice addition for the city,” Commissioner Lance Landgraf said.
The ordinance was created after the owners of Santucci’s Original Square Pizza restaurant currently under construction on Ventnor Avenue approached the city to say it had a space available for arcade games, Landgraf said.
“They said they had an area where kids could play while their parents were waiting to have dinner,” he said.
Landgraf said allowing arcades would provide an enjoyable amenity for residents and visitors.
Attempts to reach the owners for an update on the status of construction were unsuccessful, but they posted photos showing a “sneak peek” of the restaurant on Facebook.
A public hearing on the ordinance will be held 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23. the city’s website, ventnorcity.org, for access to the meeting via the Zoom videoconferencing app.
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