June 24, 2023

SOUTH JERSEY FORWARD RELEASES FIRST REPORT ON MIDDLE CLASS HOUSING IN ATLANTIC CITY (ATLANTIC CITY)

Today, South Jersey Forward released its first report “Strengthening Communities: Solutions to Foster Owner-Occupied Middle Class Housing in Atlantic City.”

“We need more middle class homeownership in Atlantic City, not just in the Tourism District but all over the city,” said SJF founder and report author Mike Suleiman. “These ambitious yet achievable solutions will help foster a climate where we can lift current residents out of poverty and entice families to move back to Atlantic City.”

The report’s recommendations include:

1) The creation of housing incubator zones to offer tax abatements and other incentives to spur homeownership and create quality housing stock. These programs would be funded by a half-penny increase in casino gaming taxes.

2) Pilot program to allow for the creation of tiny houses in Atlantic City.

3) Reverter clauses on land sold by the CRDA & the City of Atlantic City to deter land speculators who hold parcels for years without developing them.

“There will always be opportunities for luxury housing in Atlantic City given its proximity to the beach, but those units are far too expensive for most families,” said Suleiman. “We need to stop spinning our wheels on unrealistic housing proposals and instead focus on tangible, realistic solutions to expand middle class housing in Atlantic City.”

Last month, South Jersey Forward hosted a virtual roundtable on this topic which led to this report.

South Jersey Forward is a nonpartisan and nonprofit think tank and advocacy organization that is committed to exploring bold public policy to solve our problems. Visit us at southjerseyforward.org.