 In
the fall of 2005, Main Street Atlantic City, in collaboration with
a number of stakeholders
and partners, will commence a comprehensive Visioning and Revitalization
Planning
process for the 15-block Main Street District along Atlantic Avenue,
encompassing Michigan
to Massachusetts Avenues. The visioning and planning process will
actively engage local
residents and merchants and will determine the direction of and appropriate
implementation strategies for revitalization efforts in the Main
Street Atlantic City district.
The planning process will span 12-18 months. While it is underway,
it is essential that
positive visual improvements are being implemented along Atlantic
Avenue. Over the past
several months, MSAC has implemented a number of programs in the
district to enhance
its visual image, support local merchants, and raise awareness of
the importance of the
downtown district. We intend to continue and expand these projects,
however
considerable funding is needed in order to make a significant impact.
Grant applications
have been submitted to a number of agencies and are awaiting funding
decisions.
MSAC’s Steering Committee and four standing committees continue
to be active in raising awareness and support for
MSAC and in designing projects for implementation throughout the
district. Of course, we are always hoping to
attract new volunteers to help further our mission of downtown revitalization.
If you are interested in learning more
about opportunities with MSAC, please don’t hesitate to call
me at 609-344-8338.
Together we can unlock the possibilities of downtown Atlantic City…
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| What MSAC has been up to the
past several months… |
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PLANTER PROGRAM
In 2005, MSAC partnered with the Atlantic City Special Improvement
District to
plant and maintain the planters along Atlantic Avenue. At the time
of this project,
approximately 20 planters of various sizes were already placed along
Atlantic
Avenue. An additional 20 planters were recycled from unused planters
owned
by the ACSID. Two volunteer days were organized and a total of 25 volunteers,
including youth from the Camden County Youth Corp Program, helped in
planting. In 2006, we propose to add additional planters to Atlantic
Avenue;
ideally there will be planters at every corner and midway along each
block. Grant
applications for funding to support the planter program have been submitted
and
are awaiting approval. |
POCKET PARK PROGRAM
In June of 2005, MSAC completed its first pocket park. The pocket park
was a
collaborative effort between MSAC, ACSID, the owners of the lot, the
owners of
Uptown Deli, a local artist, and the Art Club of New York Avenue School.
Twenty
members of the Art Club participated in the creation of the mural,
entitled The
Perfect Playground. It was a great example of community participation
and
collaboration. We would like to give every school an opportunity to
create a mural
in a pocket park. However, going forward, MSAC must develop additional
funding
for materials and labor to build and maintain open areas in the MSAC
District. |
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PARTY IN THE PARK
The Atlantic City Free Public Library Celebrated 100 years of service
to the
Atlantic City community with a “Party in the Park” on June
25th. This special
event was the first of what MainStreet Atlantic City hopes to make
an annual
community celebration and opportunity to showcase the fine organizations,
businesses and talents of our city. |
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