Atlantic City targets vacant eyesores amid wave of new development

Atlantic City Atlantic City targets vacant eyesores amid wave of new development Atlantic City officials plan to inspect 10 to 15 long-vacant buildings as new residential projects reshape parts of the resort town. By Ted Greenberg • Published 2 hours ago • Updated 2 hours ago Atlantic City is preparing to crack down on some of its most visible vacant and deteriorating buildings as a wave of new residential development brings fresh attention to the Jersey Shore resort town. City officials say they expect to target 10 to 15 long-vacant buildings, potentially including large, prominent properties in Atlantic City's tourism district. Stream Philadelphia News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC10. WATCH HERE Some of the boarded-up buildings have broken glass and cracked or crumbling exteriors. Officials plan to conduct extensive inspections, with the goal of getting the properties repaired or, if necessary, demolished. "They attract vagrants, it affects the values of the neighboring properties," said Dale Finch, Atlantic City's director of licenses and inspections. But addressing the neglected properties could come with a significant price tag. "We're just trying to secure the necessary funding, but it's going to require a good pot of money," Finch said. The city's tougher approach comes as new housing developments transform parts of Atlantic City, a revival that recently gained national attention in The New York Times. DroneForce10 DroneForce10 Among the projects taking shape is the Surf Lodge, a nearly 12,000-square-foot development in Atlantic City's Orange Loop section. Local Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. weather forecast 7 hours ago Bright and calmer wind for Wednesday North Philadelphia 2 hours ago Dozens of shell casings marked for shooting under investigation in North Philly Developer Evan Sanchez of Authentic City Partners said the building will feature 12 apartments and ground-floor commercial space when completed. The project replaced an aging rooming house just steps from the Boardwalk. "We took a dilapidated building that was falling down and built a brand new building," Sanchez said. "And so over time that will allow for more density in the city as a whole." Sanchez said the recent national attention is an encouraging sign for Atlantic City's ongoing transformation. "For the Times to really say, hey, take a look at Atlantic City, it means something to a lot of people," Sanchez said. "And so it's a real validation point." As new developments take shape, some people who work in Atlantic City are welcoming the push to address properties that have been left to deteriorate. "I think it's the best for the city," said Briana Simon, who works in Atlantic City. "I think the city definitely needs to be revamped and I'm glad they're finally taking a look at it." For Atlantic City, the effort represents another step toward revitalization — one that aims to address long-neglected properties while new construction continues to change the city's landscape. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. This article tagged under: Atlantic City