July 16, 2014
> Noon-time Talks with the Planning Department - Infrastructure
>
> “Smart growth” is a planning concept that directs development in areas of exist
ing infrastructure. Compared to sprawl, it’s found to
 save energy
 build stronger communities and neighborhoods
 reduce the cost of municipal services.
It’s also called “new urbanism, compact development, and walkable comm
unities”.
But the concept is nothing new; it’s the way development happened prior t
o the 50’s when most American children walked to school, people knew the
ir neighbors, and when "live-work-play" was a way of life
> Atlantic City is in the perfect position to take advantage of this very important a
nd necessary planning movement.
My name is Elizabeth Terenik, and on behalf of Mayor Guardian, I want to welco
me you to today’s discussion.
It’s a privilege to serve as Atlantic City’s Planning Director at such an important ti
me in City history, and I take very seriously the role of public input in setting our p
riorities. The purpose of these monthly discussions is to share a common vision of
development. After a 20 minute presentation, I look forward to hearing from yo
ur comments.
Thank you to the Planning and Zoning board members who are attending.
> So how does smart growth apply to Atlantic City?
First of all. The state has adopted a policy to direct resources into areas of existing
infrastructure called centers. Atlantic City has several state and federal designatio
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ns that make it eligible for infrastructure and other funding. Very few towns have
the benefits that we have here in AC.
 one of 9 Urban Centers – allows a business to borrow an additional $1M at
favorable rates
 one of 50 "distressed city" designation – tax credits for each $10 jobs rather
than 25 jobs. Per the Economic Opportunites Act of 2013 expanded the tax
rebate program for businesses that add or maintain jobs
 "transitional aid community" ($13m)
 Fact that the Atlantic City, like so many urban environment contains historic
fill, makes us eligible for “brownfields” site remediation funds
 ERG/GROW NJ Tourism District Tourism District – tax rebates, tax credits,
 CAFRA - Atlantic City Rules, also 90% coverage
 Area in Need of Rehabilitation – allows the municipality to offer tax
abatement ordinance
 Sandy Impacted Community
 which, among other funding allowed us to receive $250,000 PostSandy Planning Grant, which we are about to begin and will ensure
that we are leaders in storm and flood resiliency well into the future
o Stronger NJ Business Grants
 Atlantic County “One of 9 most impacted Counties” eligible
Development and Public Improvement (D&I) component of the
Neighborhood and Community Revitalization (NCR) Program. AC had
2 of 7 projects including Mansion ave outfall and replacement of a
section of the boardwalk along the inlet
 Eligible to apply for the Urban Transit Hub
 $30 M marketing by Atlantic City Alliance
 CRDA funding
Secondly, this smart growth approach works in AC because the City has the infr
astructure to accommodate both redevelopment and infill development.
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 Redevelopment generally refers to demolition and new construction,
and
 infill development is new development in vacant parcels. – one of the
primary initiatives of the administration, along with City Council is to
activate vacant land, particularly City owned properties.
> Infrastructure can have broad application. Of course, it’s the obvious: roads,
water, sewer, and electric, gas, telephone and cable. But it also refers to our b
ulkheads, beaches, boardwalk, and flood and storm protection structures.
>
> Also consider our tourism infrastructure. We have the hotel rooms and resta
urants and other amenities that can handle more people mid week, particularl
y in the winter months.
>
> Today’s talk is going to focus on mostly engineering and planning-related infr
astructure projects that are necessary to:
o add value to properties in the City
o improve the quality of life for residents
o critically important – support existing businesses and attract new and
diverse development
SEE POWER POINT for PROJECTS
Copyright 2014
Elizabeth Terenik
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