VENTNOR – The developer of the old Troy Avenue school site was back before the Board of Commissioners Sept. 11 to present revisions to its previously approved redevelopment plan.
Attorney Jack Plackter of Fox Rothchild presented changes and asked the board to consider if it meets the intent of the redevelopment plan for the Ventnor Professional Campus that was approved in May.
DAG Developer David Waxman, a part-time Cambridge Avenue resident for the last 49 years, purchased the 2.3 acre property, which spans nearly the entire block except for the parcel where Firehouse No. 1 is located, with the intention of turning it into a mixed use project that preserves the historic nature of the schoolhouse. The rear of the property will be demolished to make way for cottage-styled townhouses separated by a one-way street that goes from New Haven to Troy Avenue. An additional row of townhouses will be located along the rear of the property facing Winchester Avenue.
“The biggest change after input from the commissioners and Planning Board are the architectural elevations…and a reduction in the density from 36 to 34 units,” Plackter said. “We cut the density to create more of a parklike area in the center.”
Ventnor redevelopment concept planCurrent regulations would permit as many as 46 units. The site plan was revised to erect 34, three-bedroom “Key West” styled townhouses in the back portion of the property – each with three off-street parking spaces and a yard. Brick accents will be incorporated into the façade to reflect the historic nature of the original schoolhouse building.
No variances or deviations from the original plan are needed, he said.
The commercial portion of the plan will be reviewed and presented to the board at a later date after the developer obtains a few tenants, Plackter said.
Commissioner Lance Landgraf said the “nuts and bolts” of the plan will be reviewed by the Planning Board, but the changes seem to meet the goals and objectives of the plan.
Landgraf said he appreciates changes to the architectural façade, which will lend itself to more outdoor space with the open decks on the top two floors. The developer has agreed to incorporate some brick accents on the ground level to compliment the brick schoolhouse that fronts Ventnor Avenue.
“From a redevelopment standpoint, it’s moving in the right direction,” Landgraf said. “We should be ready at our next meeting in two weeks to do a resolution in support of the redevelopment plan,” he said.
Ventnor redevelopment concept planMayor Tim Kriebel said he likes that the density was reduced and that the plan creates additional light, air and open green spaces.
“The rendering doesn’t do it justice,” he said, asking that the developer keep the city posted on any changes to the commercial spaces planned for the schoolhouse.
"I believe this thoughtful approach balances adaptive reuse of the school, neighborhood aesthetics, and the needs of our community today and into the future," Kriebel said.
Commissioner Maria Mento said the new plan is “more appealing.”
After the redevelopment plan is revised, the city will name DAG as the redeveloper of the property.
The project will be reviewed next at the Planning Board meeting 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Ventnor City Hall.
Copyright Access Network 2025
