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Projects & Activities

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Absecon’s Redevelopment Plan - Update 2/8/04

Redevelopment Plan proposed by City Council for New Jersey Avenue and former Marsh School site was reviewed by the Planning Board on November 25, 2003. Planning Board recommended some modifications. City Council’s Plan will permit a six (6) story building and parking garage on the former Marsh School site. The Planning Board is recommending a maximum four (4) story building without a parking garage in accordance with current permitted zoning. The Planning Board position is that two, three and four story buildings stepped back from the property lines is more compatible with the existing surrounding land uses. The City Council Plan also proposes a passive park at the existing lawn area of Harry Harper’s office. Mr. Harper offer this property to the City at no cost back in 2000 to be used as a shared public parking area for the convenience of the New Jersey Avenue business establishments. The Planning Board recommends that the re-alignment of Marsh Lane and the construction of the public parking area be included in the plan in accordance with recommendations made in the 1999 Master Plan and in accordance with the wishes of Mr. Harper.

On February 5, 2004 City Council discussed the Absecon Redevelopment Plan modifications recommended by the Planning Board and the Economic Development Committee.

City Council agreed that Nursing facilities should not be permitted at the site of the former Marsh School. They also agreed that five percent low and five percent moderate income units should be included in accordance with the current ordinance to help with Absecon's NJ Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) obligation, that only four (2) stories would be permitted and that a public parking lot would be included on a portion of Harry Harper's property in accordance with his wishes as a condition of him donating land for such a use. There was much discussion regarding reserving land for a possible future access road from the re-aligned Marsh Lane and Church Street.

It was suggested by the Planning Board that a 50' wide area be reserved for that purpose rather than the 37' wide no build area. Mayor Elco, Council President Sheeran and Councilman Green all felt that they did not want to "close the door" on future possibilities. They felt this would allow future town leaders to address the possible future need years from now. The majority of City council did not agree.

In addition, City Council agreed to require the widening of Church Street and School Street as part of the Redevelopment Plan for public safety reasons.

Please attend the next City Council meeting on February 19, 2004 to offer your thoughts.

Absecon City Land Sale Update:

On July 17, 2003 Absecon City sold a 26.7 acre parcel of city owned land fronting on Pitney Road. The minimum bid was $ 2,100,000.00. The successful bidder, Betty Simon Trustee, LLC. offered $2,570,000.00 at the public sale.

Absecon City sold Memorial Field at a public oral auction on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 for $1,942,500.00 (minimum sale price was $1,500,000.00) to Fox Chase Bank. In addition, the NJDOT has agreed to pay Absecon $50,000.00 for land acquired for roadway improvements in US Route 30. The majority of the 1.99 Million is ear-marked by pay for the improvements at Dr. J. Pitney Recreation Park now under construction and near completion.

What’s Coming to the Planning Board?

City plans major subdivision on New York Avenue. Plans now being developed. No date set for submission to Planning Board. Watch for Details.

Nov. 11, 2003. Sound Words book store moving to Absecon Presbyterian Church on New Jersey Avenue.

Proposed Pedestrian Bridge to Train Station (CLICK HERE to view a sketch of the proposed bridge layout)

Future planning for Downtown Absecon includes Senior Housing at the former Marsh School site by utilizing the recently adopted Senior Citizen Overlay District. This will increase pedestrian activity downtown. Additional parking at Harry S. Harper Architect property is anticipated as part of the development along with a driveway connection from Pitney Road to New Jersey Avenue. Additional parking will be provided at the former Damiano property (just east of Jim Thomas Motors) on the south side of US Route 30 adjoining the existing NJ Transit parking lot. The Historical Society Museum (Howlett Hall) will be open to the public generating additional pedestrian activity on New Jersey Avenue.