Lucy the Elephant Interpretive Visitors Center concept plan.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE The city and the Save Lucy Committee will host a public hearing to discuss changes planned at the nearly half-acre Josephine Harron Park, also known as Lucy Park, where the newly restored Lucy the Elephant keeps a watchful eye on beachgoers.
The Save Lucy Committee is holding the public hearing to fulfill requirements of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.
The committee plans to eliminate the existing snack bar, which has not produced the revenue desired, according to Save Lucy Committee Executive Director Rich Helfant. Provisions will be made to have a food truck parked at the site of the National Historic Landmark to offer food and beverages to visitors of the iconic structure. Additionally, the existing gift shop building, which is too small to accommodate large groups of visitors, will be razed and a new Interpretive Visitors Center will be built in its place.
The public is invited to weigh in on the plan during the Board of Commissioners meeting to be held 6 p.m., Thursday, March 2 at Historic City Hall, 1 S. Washington Ave.
Information about the plan is available for inspection by the public at the Margate Municipal Building, 9001 Winchester Ave.
Written comments on the changes can be forwarded to Municipal Clerk Johanna Casey, 9001 Winchester Ave., Margate, NJ 08401, or call 609-823-2605. Comments should also be sent to NJ DEP Office of Transactions and Public Land Administration, 401 E. State St., 7th Floor, Mail Code 401-07, PO Box 420 Trenton, NJ 08625-0420, before March 16.
The Board of Commissioners will be able to take formal action to approve the proposed change on or after May 31.
The Save Lucy Committee will also provide a courtesy presentation about the project at the Feb. 23 Planning Board meeting. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Historic City Hall, 1 S. Washington Ave.
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