(Atlantic) The Atlantic City Council approved a resolution on Wednesday designating the distribution of sales tax revenues to various funds for specific purposes, including $2.5 million for the YMCA expansion project.
Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman expressed her appreciation to the city council, and city staff.
Atlantic City Administrator John Lund says the allocation formula change will divert resources from LOST Parks, allowing for $188,050 to go to the City’s LOST Recreation Center (YMCA) fund to prepare to service the debt on a future 20-year, $2.5 million in revenue debt for the expansion of the YMCA. Lund says the timing of the debt issuance will be determined later, closer to when construction will begin on the expansion. He noted that this reallocation does not forecast changes in the city’s commitments to funding other organizations, alterations to the Parks Capital Improvement Plan, staff levels, or reductions in the pre-scheduled abatement of the Debt Service Levy with resources from all three major funds. Atlantic City Councilperson Elaine Otte stated she received a request from a citizen regarding the percentage change in real dollars.
The Council then passed the resolution by a unanimous vote. John Lund adds that no Local Option Sales Tax funds will go into the red due to the change. Although he did state that Local Option Sales Tax streets will be under pressure and there will be no room for additional discretionary spending in the Local Option Sales Tax, progress will remain unless L.O.S.T. collections resume the “traditional” growth model experienced between 2008 and 2018.
Meanwhile, the proposed plan for Atlantic’s state-of-the-art YMCA includes a $16 million renovation featuring a front expansion of the facility. The project would consist of an outdoor community recreation and event space for fitness and gatherings in all weather conditions—an indoor soft-play area offering a safe and engaging environment for group activities. An expanded fitness floor provides 24-hour access, with key fob entry available after hours. A new children’s museum brings a big-city experience to the community, combining education and fun. A STEM room and an E-Sports room also create a dedicated space for youth of all ages to connect and engage. The plan also includes a senior social and activity area, promoting fitness and helping to combat social isolation among older adults.
