and 3000 block between Morris and Chelsea avenues of the Atlantic City Boardwalk (see artist renderings, page 2); a new band shell at Kennedy Plaza and the historic restoration of the world’s first electricity-run water ountain at Brighton Park, donated to the City by Thomas Edison. This first phase, encompassing 60 storefronts, is well under way. After a lengthy design process the construction phase, supervised by Project Manager Bob Williams, is now underway. Visitors to the boardwalk will notice scaffolding and construction well into the winter months. New lighting and signage will be installed with the objective of creating a cohesive, attractive and unique look for each block.

“The Atlantic City Boardwalk is our window to the world.” according to Don Guardian, Executive Director of ACSID. “Just as Atlantic City unveiled the first boardwalk in the 19th Century, it’s time for us to unveil a new, exciting, relevant walk for the 21st Century. We need to create a ‘third place”- the comfort zone other than our home and work place that residents and visitors alike want to be part of.”

Major progress on this first phase of the project will be visible by April 2007, at which time the second phase will begin. This second phase is slated to include a comprehensive boardwalk and dune lighting project which will provide new lampposts, luminaires and lighting to create a more secure and attractive beach and boardwalk during evening hours. In addition, several Boardwalk blocks are currently under consideration for façade improvements.

To further enhance and compliment the façade construction now underway, last summer ACSID began the first phase of theBoardwalk Clean and Safe Program, funded by the CRDA. This project was created to address
the cleanliness and safety issues that could otherwise impede progress and diminish results of the Revitalization Program.

“The jewel of Atlantic City is its historic Boardwalk” notes Environmental Services Director Dan Pirillo. “With CRDA investing 100 million dollars, it is imperative that we keep the Boardwalk both clean and safe. By looking outside of the box, SID will continue to provide ways to accomplish both of these goals.”

To assist Atlantic City’s Public Works department with the monumental task of keeping Atlantic City’s boardwalk clean, ACSID’s Environmental Services Division was contracted by CRDA. During the eight month high season, three dedicated employees clean the Boardwalk seven days a week from 4:00 pm until midnight. Utilizing power washers, Billy Goat mechanized vacuuming, pan and broom sweeping and offering such maintenance services as bench cleaning, graffiti removal, trash receptacle maintenance and light post painting, ACSID’s partnership with Public Works has resulted in a remarkably cleaner Boardwalk.

Meanwhile, the ACSID Ambassador team has increased its presence along the Boardwalk. Two bicycle mounted Ambassadors now patrol the boardwalk from 10:00a.m. to 2:00a.m. daily, assisting visitors, merchants and local police officers with various tasks: providing translation services, directions and information, identifying and reporting safety and cleanliness issues to the proper authorities, and providing light security assistance for special events along the boardwalk.

With façade revitalization, cleanlinessand safety concerns addressed, the CRDA next evaluated Boardwalk landscaping to see what can be added to beautify and highlight its other efforts. While maintaining the current
schedule of maintenance, new ACSID landscaping efforts will focus on Brighton Park, where a landscape plan is currently under development which, when completed, will put the final flourish on this important Atlantic City
landmark.

Conceptual drawings show the Thomas Edison fountain restored to the full splendor not seen since Atlantic City’s heyday in the early 20th century. Low, decorative shrubs and bushes and new concrete and pavers will create attractive walkways through the park, which will be further enhanced by a new lighting design and fencing to enhance and secure the space.

With these façade, environmental services, safety and landscaping plans in action, the future is bright for the Atlantic City Boardwalk, its merchants and businesses. This is an exciting step forward for the Boardwalk and for the entire city, and Atlantic City Special Improvement District is excited about its role in the revitalization of this important landmark.