Ventnor Professional Campus
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR – The Board of Commissioners Thursday, Dec. 21 authorized preparation of a redevelopment plan for the 2.3-acre Ventnor Professional Campus at 6601 Ventnor Ave.
The Planning Board held a public hearing on the plan at its Dec. 13 meeting, giving the public the opportunity to comment on the proposal, which includes mixed-use development at the former Ventnor Avenue School property. The board agreed the property was an area in need of redevelopment based on criteria set up in the NJ Local Redevelopment and Housing Law because it is underutilized as currently zoned. It is currently being used as commercial office space, but it is only 30% occupied.
The commission accepted the board’s recommendation, designated the area in need of redevelopment, and authorized a redevelopment plan to be prepared by the applicant. Tax incentives may be offered.
Mayor Lance Landgraf said the plan includes razing the rear buildings to make way for “neo-traditional” townhouse-style development with off-street parking, while the historic brick building fronting Ventnor Avenue would be maintained as commercial space.
Landgraf said the developers are required to return to the Planning Board for site plan approvals.
In other business, the board approved emergency repairs to the roof and an office in the Police Department at City Hall following a major rainstorm last week. Two contracts were awarded on an emergent basis without advertising and public bidding. Two contracts totaling $25,000 each were awarded to Weatherby Construction to make the repairs to an interior office and Thomas Company to repair the roof.
The board also agreed to extend its lease with Atlantic County government to provide senior citizens with lunches at the meeting room at the rear of the Ventnor Library and Cultural Arts Center on Atlantic Avenue. The County Board of County Commissioners Dec. 5 approved continuation of leases at several existing senior citizen nutrition sites in Atlantic County for a total of $118,481.
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