One attendee said this draft version of a new Ventnor Master-plan document is the most innovative. Ever. While most agreed, some still prefer keeping an older, yet classic version of Ventnor intact.
A packed house gathered inside Ventnor City Hall chambers on Monday Oct 17, as Jim Rutala shared a peek into Ventor’s future. In a few weeks, a more firmed-up Ventnor Master Plan, typically updated every 10 years, will go before the planning board for more discussion, public comment and eventual vote.
Items of Note Discussed at Ventnor Master Plan Public Meeting:
Ventnor Fishing Pier…local taxes pay for upkeep, but few can enjoy it. Insurance issues must be addressed before allowing open access for kids & family-friendly usage. Current railings are fine for fisherman, but not toddlers. Children could slip thru pier rail openings. Landgraf would like to see 1,000 ft Ventnor Pier open 2/47, 365 days a year. Pier could soon feature kiosks, a small refreshment stand featuring simple fare like hot dogs, water, soda and coffee.
Ski Beach might one day offer water taxi service, upgraded launch facilities for kayaks and other non-motorized vessels. Piers & boat launches could be repaired or upgraded.
Efforts to build a Ventnor Dog Park should gain traction in early 2017. Awareness building underway now. Fundraising could start in January as a Ventnor dog park would primarily be a privately funded project, relying on donations & sponsorship. Disagreements still linger as to the exact location of this much needed Ventnor Dog Park.
The 5 Ventnor business districts are busy, but could benefit from a spruce up. Make districts more visually attractive and cohesive. Remove or re-develop eyesores like the former Ventnor Twin Movie Theater, still owned by Frank Theaters.
Zoning questions… trends show second home owners becoming even larger part of Ventnor, much like Longport & Margate. Zoning changes must allow for more residential dwellings above a business to allow for growing ratable base. Ventnor building permits currently lag far behind Margate and Longport. Question asked: why Ventnor doesn’t provide more attractive incentives to encourage development? Ex: former Ventnor Twin movie theater…and that vacant gas station.
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- Ventnor West is a jewel. Perfect for eco-park, open space projects & upgrades. Federal grants available for stuff like this
- Ventnor currently has 300 abandoned properties
- Mini-golf suggested by Commissioner Tim Kriebel
- Brief talk of skateboard park at site of old golf driving range near VCCC school.
- Foot showers planned for Summer 2017 along Boardwalk…says Commissioner Landgraf.
- Air BnB, an issue that needs to be addressed. Millennials especially, see more good than bad in services like Air BnB.
- Upcoming vote on 3 liquor licences being auctioned off