Ducktown Housing Revitalization Tuesday, Nov 25 2008

   The following blog post features the great AC Estates in Ducktown.

Ducktown Revitalization is in Fast Forward

from Carol Ruffu – Keller Williams Realty – Blog by Carol Ruffu (Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore)

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Live, work & invest in Atlantic City. Atlantic City has always been a City of neighborhoods.  In the early 1800’s a group of Italians settled between Missouri & Texas Avenues, from the Beach to the Bay, in a neighborhood that became known as “Ducktown”. My great grandparents were among these settlers and brought with them my grandfather as an infant. He grew up to be Mayor Anthony Ruffu, the mayor when the anchor of of [sic] Ducktown opened, Convention Hall, a state of the art center with the famous dome roof.

Atlantic City has gone through several growth spurts since the gaming referendum was passed and the first casino opened in 1978.  Our residential neighborhoods are also going through these growth periods block by block.  The first residential redevelopment project started on New Hampshire Avenue an it was called “The Cove”.  This was the start of the residential redevelopment in the Northeast Inlet. Redevelopment has continued to move south throughout the City.

Now you have an opportunity to get in on the bottom floor of a new project, AC Estates, in Ducktown. This project is a joint venture between the third generation owner of Formica Brothers Bakery, Frank Fprmica [sic] and South Philly builder Frank Alberti. The development consists of 12 condo’s and 12 townhomes.  Each unit has it’s own garage and off street parking space.  Location, Location, Location! Located between Florida & Georgia, Arctic & Fairmount, it is within walking distance to the best restaurants in the City, Angelo’s , Angeloni’s, Doc’s Oyster House and the famous White House Sub Shop, all of who serve the Famous Fprmica [sic] Brothers Bakery Bread. Also within walking distance are the shopping area of The Walk and The Pier.  Minutes form the expressway, casinos and boardwalk make this a premier neighborhood to live in.

The units are 2 bedroom condo’s staring at $249,900 and 3 bedroom townhomes starting at $299,000. The townhomes include a gaas [sic] fireplace and the fireplace is available as an upgrade in the condo units.  All units have tile flooring in the kitchen and bath and Berber Carpet in livingroom and bedrooms. Several flooring and tile upgrades are available.

The Atlantic County Improvement Authority has a down payment assistance program that will provide uo to 10% toward the down payment and $5,000 toward closing costs.  Atlantic City also has a down payment assistance program for home buyers who work and live in Atlantic City.

Purchase one of these beautiful units and become part of the catalyst of the redevelopment of the Italian heritage neighborhood of Ducktown, home of St Michael’s Church and the magnificent Dante Hall, the center of the Performing Arts District of Atlantic City.

Please contact me directly at 609-457-7397 for more information on the AC Estates.

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Wetlands or People? Saturday, Nov 22 2008

  Environmental restrictions could frustrate the plans of Robert Pagano and Triple Five Worldwide to develop a casino in the Marina District.   Marjorie Preston of Casino Connection blogs,

As so many mega-operators suspend their Atlantic City development plans, it’s good to hear about new projects. They may be years down the road or never come to fruition at all, but they remind us in a lackluster economy that growth will one day return, and the industry should be ready.

A Bergen County, New Jersey, realtor working with the owners of the Mall of America has asked Atlantic City to rezone a 17-acre property near the Borgata, with plans to build a hotel casino at the site.

Robert Pagano and a representative of Triple Five Worldwide made the appeal at a recent planning meeting, requesting that the land be rezoned resort-commercial. Pagano owns the 17-acre tract. A group called the Marina Towers Association owns a 13-acre site across the street. According to published reports, Marina Towers may be a subsidiary of Triple Five.

[...]

The Marina District is Atlantic City’s version of the Next Big Thing. It is home of the Borgata and the Water Club and Harrah’s Marina. It is the probable future home of an MGM Mirage casino complex. It is also the locale of the planned Margaritaville casino resort, a joint venture of Coastal Development and entertainer Jimmy Buffett where Trump Marina now stands.

But roadway access and the proximity of wetlands could be obstacles in the Pagano-Triple Five development. Also, the second, 13-acre property was not included in rezoning when Atlantic City’s new master plan was created.

The state environmental rules and authority should work proactively with Atlantic City’s Zoning and Planning Boards to facilitate this project.   NJ’s myriad state and local government agencies and rules should be cut down and render our state and town a better place to start a business.

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Sunrise in Atlantic City Friday, Nov 21 2008

  We like to feature great photographers and all things Atlantic City.

(Photo credit – http://www.quintanomedia.com/index.php/2008/11/17/sunrise-in-atlantic-city/)

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Lorenzo Langford Sceptics Re-Emerge Friday, Nov 21 2008

   It did not take one week before critics of Atlantic City’s new-old-mayor Lorenzo Langford emerged.   Doug Mataconis blogs “Atlantic City, New Jersey: We Still Breed `Em Crazy:”

During the 1970’s and 1980’s, more than on [sic] occupant of the Mayor’s Office found themselves heading off to prison thanks to a bribery scandal, and things stayed just as entertaining throughout the `90’s and into the new century.

Politics in Atlanic [sic] City, New Jersey has always been shall we say, interesting.

Last year, the elected Mayor of Atlantic City disappeared in the midst of a Federal investigation and then turned up in a substance abuse clinic.

And, this year, his most recent replacement is invoking the Almighty:

ATLANTIC CITY – Mayor Lorenzo Langford pledged to guide the city through its economic turmoil and enter a partnership with his former rivals during his inauguration speech Thursday.

Langford, who officially took the oath of office Wednesday, was joined by family, friends, supporters and various city and county officials Thursday afternoon inside the Carnegie Library for the public ceremony.

“We’re going to get through this,” he told a packed room. “As bleak as it may look on the local economy with the gaming industry, I know we’re going to be all right. Atlantic City is going to soar.”

The new mayor, whose previous term in office from 2002 to 2005 was hampered by adamant detractors, welcomed the partnership of those previously viewed as rivals. However, he also issued a caution to those still seeking his demise.

“Plot and plan against me, if you will,” he said. “But remember, there is a God in heaven plotting and planning against you.”

It’s been almost 20 years now since I left New Jersey, it’s nice to see that things haven’t changed that much.

   Forsythe blogs, “Atlantic City Mayor Invokes the God Threat.“

 Lorenzo Langford is the mayor of Atlantic City. The staggering economy is impacting upon Atlantic City as it is throughout the nation. As Mayor Langford begins his new term in office, he issued this warning to his opponents:

“…”Plot and plan against me, if you will,” he said. “But remember, there is a God in heaven plotting and planning against you.””

link: Langford promises ‘Atlantic City is going to soar’

How does Mayor Langford know this? Is it a direct communication?

   PUMA Pundit blogs, “Atlantic City Promises Wrath of God to Enemies…“

Not sure if this is from Atlantic City, New Jersey, or Atlantic City, Afghanistan, either way it speaks volumes to the mindset of an elected official who brings religion and the wrath of the lord into politics…

Excerpts from the PressofAtlanticCity article:

Mayor Lorenzo Langford pledged to guide the city through its economic turmoil and enter a partnership with his former rivals during his inauguration speech Thursday.Langford, who officially took the oath of office Wednesday, was joined by family, friends, supporters and various city and county officials Thursday afternoon inside the Carnegie Library for the public ceremony.

The new mayor, whose previous term in office from 2002 to 2005 was hampered by adamant detractors, welcomed the partnership of those previously viewed as rivals. However, he also issued a caution to those still seeking his demise.

“Plot and plan against me, if you will,” he said. “But remember, there is a God in heaven plotting and planning against you.”

So there you have it folks, if you live in Atlantic City, don’t you dare plan against the Mayor, even though that is exactly what politics is about, or the Lord up above will start planning and plotting against you!

One note, these remarks should be considered along with some startling campaign posters that showed up around town in the week prior to the election.   The following two words were displayed in black ink on simple white stiff paper.

    L
OBAMA
    N
    G
    F
    O
    R
    D

There is a little too much hubris tinged with messianic-ish rhetoric.   These two examples and the various anecdotal bits of evidence are not conclusive enough to establish Lorenzo Langford deity complex.   Yet these various events are forming a bad taste in the mouths of secular and religious people alike.

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Debut on NJ’s Top Political Blog Wednesday, Nov 19 2008

   My latest article is on COAH (Council on Affordable Housing) and “Governor Jon Corzine’s Latest Gift to Atlantic City: Child Predators and Sex Offenders.”   Here is an excerpt:

New Jersey residents, sex offenders, perverts, and pedophiles could be coming to your neighborhood. The latest Governor Jon Corzine scheme not only affects our wallets but threatens our children. How? The Governor and Democrat-controlled Legislature are trying to force more so-called affordable housing [read – Section 8] on every town in New Jersey. The priority for this housing goes to the “hard-to-house.”

Who are the “hard-to-house?” The “hard-to-house,” also known as “special needs populations” by Trenton bureaucrats, includes sex offenders and child predators. Governor Corzine, state legislators, and the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) call the foisting of those predators into areas where your children play “Community integrated housing opportunities.” Parents call the designs of Governor Corzine, the Legislature, and COAH a nightmare. Current state guidelines enable bureaucrats in the Division of Community Affairs (DCA) to force child predators and sex offenders next door to your children’s schools, playgrounds, and parks. The horrors perpetrated on children as a result of Trenton’s housing policies are too atrocious to describe.

Today, parents find it more and more difficult to provide a safe environment for their children. Families in my resort town can attest to the challenges of protecting their children from the intravenous (IV) drug users, mental health patients, homeless, and ex-convicts that many New Jersey towns ship in to Atlantic City.

Follow the link above to read the entire article.

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Economic Development on the Horizon Thursday, Nov 13 2008

   CasinoGamblingWeb reportsthat Rob Pagano is going forward with an attempt to rezone his Atlantic City property for casino use:

Las Vegas Sands Corp. is in trouble. so are a few of the other big casino companies that are based in the United States. Two of them have actually put on hold projects in Atlantic City.

Despite the economy and the other companies that are slowing their plans, Rob Pagano is moving forward with his plans on bringing a new casino to Atlantic City. He has asked city officials to rezone seventeen acres of land he owns near the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

Pagano is a real estate agent from Bergen County. Although he is leading the efforts to have his land rezoned, he may not be the only one involved with the new casino. The Press of Atlantic City has reported that Triple Five Worldwide may have some involvement in the casino project.

Triple Five Worldwide owns the Mall of America in Minnesota and may just have the capital to pull off the financing for a new casino. Atlantic City could desperately use something fresh.

In recent months the casino industry has been devastated by the economy. Casino companies have been scrambling to ensure that they have enough financial stability to get through the tough times.

November 13, 2008
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com

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Re-Visiting Atlantic City’s Public Housing Hysteria Tuesday, Nov 11 2008

   Last month, Jennifer Husko of NBC40 reported the following:

ATLANTIC CITY– In the midst of national financial uncertainty, residents throughout Atlantic County looking for affordable housing were unable to apply. Times are hard for many and were made even harder for some today, due to a limited number of applications being accepted. As Jennifer Husko finds out, these angry residents want answers to the economic crisis right here in their own backyard.

Nearly 500 residents from around Atlantic County spent hours outside the Altman Terrace on Arctic and Pennsylvania Avenues waiting for the opportunity to fill out one of 150 available Section 8 housing assistance applications that opened up.

“There was an article in the paper on how to sign up to receive section eight housing, it was supposed to be 9 to 4.”

Those who camped out since last night, say they didn’t even have a chance. “I think the way they had it organized wasn’t the right way some people was here early, still didn’t get in.”

“Clearly the ad makes it apparent that once 150 number is reached, no more applications will be taken,” said Executive Director of the Atlantic City Housing Authority, Dennis Ricci.

But confusion and mayhem continued as people in the crowd fought over their spots.

“People are out here asking for help and they’re getting nothing.”

In search of answers, they marched their dissatisfaction all the way to city hall.

But the housing authority believes the root of the problem is in Washington D.C. “We’re sorry for any inconvenience it may have caused them, clearly, but again, the real problem is in Washington, the real problem is that there’s not enough funding for section eight program where we have to limit the number of applications that we take in,” said Ricci.

The Housing Authority said today’s reaction to the application process shows the growing need for affordable housing in Atlantic City and residents say more needs to be done on both the state and federal level. “The economy is in the basement, people can’t feed their families.”

“They have promised us money for housing here, they have not delivered their promise.”

The Housing Authority says they are doing the best they can with the funding that’s provided. “Very difficult circumstances, we have a number of people who need housing in area, need affordable housing and we just don’t have enough federal funding to satisfy that need,” said Ricci.

Residents will continue to cry out, the only way they know how. “We need help and we need help now.”

The Atlantic City Housing Authority is not accepting any additional applications at this time.

The Authority is currently in the process of switching to a new online software based application process, in an effort to avoid a similar situation in the future.

There has long been an argument that when government hands out something for free, the demand for the given need is never satisfied.   The above story documents that there are more people desiring government paid and subsidized housing, than the number of available units.   This is presented as a problem.   What are the solutions?  

   There are three options.   1) Keep the number of government subsidized and paid housing units stable, 2) increase the number of government subsidized and paid housing units, or 3) decrease the number of housing units.   Each option will make some people happy and some upset. 

   The state has recently forced more government-subsidized housing on every New Jersey community, including Atlantic City.   There are many negative side effects resulting from increased government subsidies of housing, which include higher taxes and building fees for people not receiving the government handout.  

   The main point I want to establish is that more government subsidized and paid housing will not satiate the desire for government subsidized and paid housing.   The more undeserving people are given, the more they desire.   That is a truism of human nature.   Government must be engaged in courting Lady Iustitia, viz. pursuing justice.  

There is no justice in taking more from people’s wallets – taxes – to provide for a growing number of people unwilling to provide for themselves.   The very concept of government paid and subsidized housing is an insult to every hard working family that works hard to keep their own housing and provide for their neighbor’s housing.

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Fire Department Spending and Mayor Scott Evans Monday, Nov 10 2008

   The Press of Atlantic City published a story today, “Atlantic City mayor’s exit likely to extinguish Fire Dept. funding,” by Michael Clark and Lynda Cohen.

Councilman George Tibbitt, head of the city’s Public Safety Committee, drew attention to Fire Department spending when he raised questions about $60,000 for upgrades to fire stations ordered in one day.

“That kind of gave firefighters a black eye,” said Capt. Angelo DeMaio, president of the city’s firefighters union. “We’re just asking for what we needed, and the mayor – no matter who’s in there – needs to see that.”

A copy of a budget inquiry from the city details several payments for desks, shelving and window shades for all six stations. Most council members concede the needs of the department, but criticize the effort to aid every condition in Evans’ last days.

Station 2’s condition is deemed most crucial because it houses the units for collapse and trench rescue, and the Hazmat team.

An upstairs window once used to practice rapelling [sic] was deemed no longer safe to hold a firefighter, Battalion Chief Michael Mooney said during a tour of Station 2.

He tapped on the ledge: “If I hit this with any force at all, it would come off.”

I am torn when reading the entire article, this portion in particular.   On one hand, I want the fire fighters in my town to have adequate facilities and equipment.   On the other hand, fire fighter salaries seem very exorbitant.   At the very least, the manner in which the Chief’s increase was snuck-in during the last moments of Mayor Evans’s tenure is suspect.   Fire fighters put their lives on the line every time they respond to a fire.   I appreciate their courage and sacrifices. 

   The fire fighters are part of public safety, which is part of the larger city budget.   The budget is jam-packed with fiscal irresponsibility.  Those of us feeling the strain of the current economic downturn have to pinch our proverbial pennies and re-think our own budgets.   The losers in this and all situations pertaining to the wasteful city budget are the rank-and-file government workers and taxpayers.  

   The situation of deteriorating fire stations, fire equipment, and increased property taxes will not be improved until both rank-and-file government employees and taxpayers together demand that those responsible for determining budgetary expenses eliminate waste and lower spending.

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Gloom Sets-In Anticipating October Financial Reports Monday, Nov 10 2008

   There are many murmurings of how bad October’s casino gaming financial reports will be.   Boston Herald Business reports:

Consider: September saw the greatest monthly decline in revenues in the 30-year history of legalized gambling, down more than 15 percent.

And that was before the financial meltdown hit with full force, and before a smoking ban on the casino floor took effect; it’s not due to expire until Nov. 16.

That ban chased away some of the city’s most prolific gamblers, who went to slots parlors in Pennsylvania and New York, and Indian-run casinos in Connecticut, where they can still smoke.

All told, it was a most unwelcome October surprise.

   There has been such poor economic analysis conducted this year.   No distinction is drawn between the proper realm of action for business and the proper realm for government.   The pattern has been that profits decrease (auto industry), capital freezes (Revel and Pinnacle Entertainments), or economic stability is compromised (AIG, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac) and people clamor for government to step in and salvage the situation.

   Government’s proper role is not to save businesses.   Government should not offer loans to fledgling industries that are better than the loans available from private lenders, e.g. the proposed loans to the auto industry.   Government should not provide capital, or the tools to obtain capital, to a company that cannot obtain the tools and the capital on their own, in the free market, e.g. Atlantic City Government giving a preferential bond rating to Revel Entertainment.   Government should not prop-up imploding businesses (bail them out) with tax dollars, i.e. the financial bailout.   When a company lies about its balance sheet, or purchases bad assets from a business with a phony balance sheet, they must feel the consequences for their decisions.   That is the fundamentals of a sounds economic system, and a sound existence, as well.

   There are several dangerous things going on simultaneously.    One, people’s conception of government is warped.   Americans rely on government for more and more.   We are relying on ourselves and our associations, churches, families, and clubs less and less.  Two, the climate of opinion has accepted the theory that man can be infinitely perfected.   We have lost our sense of sin.   We have lost the idea of Original Sin and man’s fallenness.  Three, Americans have joined the religion of progress.   Too many of us think that things will only get better and better.   Too many of us forget that life is specifically life, in large part, due to the fact that there are ups and down.  “You win some, and you lose some,” teaches the old adage.

   A blog will neither solve, nor comment on all of the above.   I want you to think about these three problems and tell me why you agree or disagree with my analysis.   I am going to say the following about the above items, in relation to October’s economic report.

   Government cannot and should not “fix” Atlantic City’s economic downturn.   It is going to take innovative marketing of existing attractions.   It will also take new innovations from entrepreneurs to attract consumers.    Private citizens in private businesses need to practice innovation.   Government bureaucrats and elected officials need to get out of the way.

   Government assists people by providing a solid foundation for people to build their proverbial houses.   The foundation given by government is composed of clear, solid, rational, and just laws, which are enforced vigorously – while respecting our rights and freedoms – and applied equally to all.  

   City Council can assist casino gaming by providing smooth roads, clean streets, and safe neighborhoods.   City Council can assist by removing their smoking restrictions on casino floors, which would allow casino operators to make the decisions themselves, as to how much – up to 50% – of their gaming floors will permit smoking.  If an employee does not like the smoke, be a man and either get another job, or demand that you work in a non-smoking section.   But City-Council, UAW (which after ruining the auto industry has set its destructive sights on casino gaming), and anti-smoking groups, do not destroy the industry and jobs within the industry in your attempts to “fix” public health.   To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, government is not the solution.  Government is the problem.

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Two Fun Things To Do Monday, Nov 10 2008

   Things to do in Atlantic City blogs on two Atlantic City attractions: miniature golf and Absecon Lighthouse.

Atlantic City Miniature Golf

If you’re looking for something to do besides gambling, shopping, and dining, then take a stroll along the Boardwalk and stop in at Kennedy Plaza for a relaxing round of miniature golf. And if you’re traveling with children, this is a must-see attraction.

Atlantic City Miniature Golf is located across from Boardwalk Hall and offers 18 holes with waterfalls, elevated greens, and challenging obstacles in an attractive seaside setting. The plaza also features a picnic area and bandstand.

For more information and an internet coupon, visit the offical website (link).

____________________________________

Absecon Lighthouse

Get some exercise and take in some history just blocks from the casinos and the Boardwalk at Historic Absecon Lighthouse.

The lighthouse, which was built in the mid 1800s, offers visitors a chance to climb 228 steps to the top for a spectacular view. A museum featuring historical exhibits is located on ground level in the replicated 1925 Keeper’s House. The lighthouse also hosts special programs and shows throughout the year.

For more information including hours of operation, admission prices, directions, details on programs and events, a historical timeline, and a live webcam, visit the lighthouse official website (link).

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