Listen to this article

Late last week, the Murphy Administration announced that Atlantic City has been designated as New Jersey’s 35th Transit Village.

The Transit Village Initiative, which began in 1999, connects the designated municipalities with a task force made up of 10 state agencies that help implement mixed-use development, Complete Streets accommodations and more near transit facilities. The initiative, administered by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), provides participating municipalities with planning expertise and grant opportunities to redevelop land near train or other transit facilities.

“To receive a Transit Village designation, a municipality must develop a plan for redevelopment that promotes economic activity and public transportation,” said NJDOT Commissioner Dianne Gutierrez-Scaccetti in a press release. “Atlantic City’s plan to create a mixed-use neighborhood near the Atlantic City rail station will transform one of New Jersey’s premier destinations in a way that will enhance the quality of life for the residents, as well as visitors, through enhanced bike and pedestrian facilities near public transportation, shops, and restaurants.”

Transit Village designation provides:

• A commitment from the state to the municipality’s redevelopment vision
• Coordination and technical assistance among the 10 state agencies that comprise the Transit Village Task Force
• Priority consideration for certain funding opportunities

Through this designation and using the Atlantic City rail station as the focal point, the city’s objective in the Transit Village District is to promote compact, mixed-use development, a walkable, bikeable and transit-friendly environment around the station area. Officials plan to increase housing opportunities within walking distance of shops, restaurants, offices, entertainment and cultural centers by increasing the opportunities for pedestrian activity and reducing reliance on cars, which they believe will reduce traffic congestion and pollution and improve safety and security while boosting the local economy.

“It’s been important to the Small Administration to enhance public transit, strengthen our economy and encourage development near our transit facilities,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., in a statement. “With this recognition and support, we will continue our efforts to make even greater improvement for our community. On behalf of our residents and visitors, we thank Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Transportation for designating the Great City of Atlantic City as a Transit Village.”

Atlantic City’s Transit Village District falls within jurisdiction of both the city and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), which have formed a partnership that will enhance development through CRDA financing capabilities to facilitate residential and commercial projects.

ICYMI

Atlantic City reinvestment efforts take shape ahead of summer