Vol. 4, No. 9, September 2007
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A Hidden Gem
Last month in this space I talked about how special the Boardwalk is to Atlantic City. I praised the CRDA and the Schiff brothers, who own large chunks of the Wooden Way, for their efforts in revitalizing this most important “street” in Atlantic City. But that sentiment was largely inspired by what the Boardwalk could be that would attract tourists in the hundreds of thousands.
This month, I want to talk about a more modest development—one that may only attract a few thousand tourists, but one that reflects the soul of the community.
I was around when Gardner’s Basin was formed more than 30 years ago. The idea was years ahead of its time: a waterfront park that would preserve some of the traditions of the region while becoming a comfortable and relaxing setting for residents and tourists alike.
Over the years, the Basin has had its successes and failures. But since signing a 15-year lease in 1996, the Basin has moved forward in an impressive manner by developing the Atlantic City Aquarium, new restaurants, deep-sea and back-bay fishing excursions, sightseeing and speed boat rides, a crafters village and much more. There is now a waiting list for the Basin’s fine recreational marina.
Events have always been the Basin’s strength. Harborfest, the Around-the-Island Swim and the Seafood Festival were great annual celebrations. The Atlantic City Jazz Festival in 1978 drew thousands of people who braved what was then a very scary neighborhood to hear some true jazz greats (including a legendary performance by Ray Charles). And smaller, more local events like movies and fireworks make the Basin the center of a growing and prosperous community.
Because city-owned land (the former Garwood Mills site) was no longer available for parking due to a pending development, events moved out of the Basin in the past year. But that development has now been scrapped (thanks to some nefarious dealings by convicted former City Council President Craig Callaway), so there is a tremendous opportunity to really capitalize on the Basin.
City Council recently approved a renewal of the lease for the Basin, over-riding a veto by “Acting Mayor” Domenic Cappella (Cappella was “acting” as mayor because the “real” mayor, Bob Levy, was hospitalized). But the fact that one of the major players in the Levy administration doesn’t understand the importance of the Basin is disturbing. Council’s action proves that they understand the potential for and importance of Gardner’s Basin.
During the past few years, the Basin has become a wonderful family-friendly location. The Atlantic City Aquarium offers a quality educational experience for kids of all ages. Attendance has almost tripled over the past five years to about 14,000 people annually. In short, the Basin is “happening” with very little help from the city.
Imagine what could happen if the city just took an interest in the Basin. Imagine if we could combine what’s happening at the Basin with the vacant Garwood Mills land. Yes, that land is valuable and historic. Let’s see if we can develop it in a manner that respects the history, recognizes the synergy it can have with Gardner’s Basin and provides a return for the city, whether that means more property taxes or more tourists to that end of town.
What would happen if the city installed directional signage to show people how to get to what is admittedly an out-of-the-way location? Let’s extend the Boardwalk all the way around the Inlet to connect to the Basin. Let’s bring back the Marine Mammal Stranding Center to the Basin, where it began more than 30 years ago.
And let’s make Atlantic City’s “hidden gem” a true diamond for locals and tourists alike.
