North Beach streetscape design concept.
VENTNOR The city has advertised for bids to complete a streetscape improvement project on Atlantic Avenue in the North Beach commercial district and is applying for an additional grant to do Ventnor Avenue.
Contractors are required to submit bids to the City Clerk's Office by the deadline at 11 a.m., Aug. 28.
The city received an $800,000 grant from the Jersey Economic Development Authority's HUD-funded Stronger NJ Streetscape Revitalization Program for the Atlantic Avenue project.
Marathon Engineering and Environmental Services was recently awarded a $69,925 contract to design the streetscape improvements along the three-block stretch of Atlantic Avenue.
The city plans to install new curbs, gutters, sidewalks and handicapped ramps between Weymouth and Surrey avenues and install bump-outs on the corners. The plan also includes planting trees and perennials, installing signs, parking meters, planters, bike racks, benches, trash and recycling receptacles, crosswalks and pedestrian lights, electrical infrastructure, and pavement painting and striping.
Atlantic Ave streetscape design materials.
The city will give the contractor until May 15, 2019 to install trees and landscaping plantings if that portion of the job cannot be completed by Oct. 1 according to the job specifications.
The city is also applying to the NJ DOT Transportation Alternatives Program for a $1.5 million grant to complete a streetscape project on several blocks of Ventnor Avenue in the North Beach section.
According to City Administrator Maria Mento, the grant is broken out into two phases $500,000 for Surrey to Weymouth Avenue in the Ventnor Twin movie theater district and $1 million for other areas between Victoria and Oakland avenues.
There is no match for this grant, so the city will not have to come up with any money if it is awarded, she said.
The city is currently seeking letters of support for the highly competitive application from residents, business owners and community organizations. A sample letter is available on the city's website, ventnorcity.org.
Atlantic Avenue streetscape location.
