Vol. 4, No. 5, May 2007
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Newer and Brighter AC
The scaffolding is down as the city prepares to unveil the first two blocks of the highly anticipated Boardwalk façade project. The 1500 and 2500 blocks of the Boardwalk, which began renovation last September, have completed exterior renovation and are scheduled to have signage hung prior to Memorial Day weekend. The update included replacing metal awnings with new decorative arches, consistent color patterns and new roofs.
Next on the list are the 1400, 2600 and possibly 3000 blocks, which are currently in the planning phase and won’t begin construction until after the 2007 summer season.
Also nearing completion is the Brighton Park fountain. That will be in full operation by Memorial Day weekend. The display features 23 lights with a virtually infinite number of colors, along with five rings and nine jets shooting an array of spectacular water combinations with varying heights and shapes. Operated by a computer system, the fountain will run May through October from approximately 10 a.m. to midnight daily.
City officials, residents and organizations have been working to develop a plan to bring better lighting to both the Atlantic City Boardwalk and beach. Currently on the drawing board are plans to have new light poles and lighting erected along the Boardwalk.
The proposed lights would illuminate the 60-foot-wide Boardwalk, as well as an additional 60 feet onto the beach, nearly tripling the current brightness on the Boardwalk. The new lighting would lower the city’s energy cost by 25 percent and expand the bulb life to 35 years, in turn saving the city a substantial amount of money.
While city officials hope to enact a new uniform lighting system throughout the Boardwalk from Maine to Jackson, the blocks of 1500 and 2500 are scheduled to receive the new lights and poles by mid-July as a trial for the new system.
Other improvements throughout the city include Sunday-night family movies at Kennedy Plaza and an ambassador program based out of two new teahouses, providing visitors with important city information. Busy preparing for the start of summer, the Special Improvement District is steam-cleaning and power-washing the Boardwalk and public bathrooms, as well as repainting and sealing all city benches.
