Former Ventnor Mayor Tim Kreischer wants to share some information and thoughts on the Ventnor Professional Campus project, at 6601 Ventnor Ave., which once served as the city’s public school.
One of the biggest concerns raised at the public hearing was density—and for good reason.
Under the previous zoning (Mixed Use / M-U), the site allowed 20 units per acre. With the full site totaling 2.305 acres, that zoning technically allowed up to 46 units.
At the hearing, the developer and Planning Board repeatedly stated that since only 33 townhomes are being proposed, this represents a reduction from what was permitted.
At first glance, that sounds like a reasonable concession.
But when you look closer, the story changes.
Here’s the key issue:
Only about 46% of the site (1.06 acres) is actually being used for the townhomes. Applying the same zoning standard of 20 units per acre, that land would permit only 21 townhomes.
Instead, 33 townhomes are being squeezed into that space
That’s 57% more density than what the prior zoning allowed for the land being used.
This is why so many residents raised concerns. It’s not about opposing redevelopment—it’s about cramming too much into too little space, changing the scale and character of our community.
Future concern:
If only part of the site is being used now, what happens later? Could the developer return and seek approval to demolish the Ventnor Avenue School and add more commercial or residential units?
If that happens, will the City enforce the remaining 13-unit cap, or approve even more—further increasing density?
Many residents believe this plan would be far more acceptable if the City stayed true to the prior zoning and limited the project to the 21 townhomes that were actually permitted on the land being developed.
Density matters. Character matters.
Let’s keep asking the hard questions and make sure our community’s voice is heard.
MMPartners, LLC.
• 33 thoughtfully designed townhomes
• A revitalized, upgraded office building at the front of the site
• A walkable, community-focused layout that blends new housing with a refreshed commercial presence
This project has been years in the making, and this approval allows us to shift into full execution mode. Ventnor is growing, and we’re proud to be part of its next chapter.
