Atlantic Cape Community College recently received a $50,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Planning grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to create a community-driven neighborhood revitalization plan for the Inlet section of Atlantic City.
The Inlet includes Census Tracts 19 and 25 along the Absecon Inlet and is home to approximately 5,800 residents. The Inlet includes major facilities such as the Ocean Casino Resort, Gardner’s Basin Park, The Cove Condominium, Ocean Terrace apartments, Uptown School Complex, Flagship Resort, the Jeffries Towers Apartments, and housing of various types.
In partnership with the City of Atlantic City, A.C. Housing Authority, A.C. Board of Education, Absecon Lighthouse, North Beach Homeowners Association, Boraie Development, AtlantiCare, Jewish Family Services, Volunteers of America, Stockton University, Boys & Girls Club, Police Athletic League, Rutala and Associates, and the N.J. Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Atlantic Cape Community College will work with the residents, community groups, and business leaders to evoke the change they wish to see in the Inlet, according to a news release.
“Atlantic Cape is honored to lead this exciting endeavor,” Atlantic Cape Community College Community Outreach Manager Victor Moreno said in the release. “We are deeply committed to the Atlantic City community. This grant makes it possible to expand our efforts and help create changes that will improve the lives of those living in the Inlet Section and its economic stability.”
The college has had a steady presence in Atlantic City since 1966, and reinforced its commitment with the establishment of the Charles D. Worthington Atlantic City Campus in 1984, along with a 20,000 square foot expansion in 2014, creating the Caesars Entertainment for Hospitality and Gaming Wing.
The college also is intricately involved with Atlantic City’s Inlet neighborhood, partnering in various community initiatives, including re-employment efforts for its residents and non-profit support.
The college is asking for the community’s participation in the revitalization by inviting those interested to join the Inlet Neighborhood Community Advisory Committee. Those on the committee will be joined by the neighborhood’s diverse residents, civic leaders, and businesses, and responsibilities will include helping create an inclusive vision for the Inlet.
Applications can be found at www.atlantic.edu/inlet. The deadline to apply is June 30.
For more information, contact Laura Batchelor, executive director of marketing and college relations at lbatchel@atlantic.edu or call 609-343-5086.
