Last month, Margate voters overwhelmingly turned down the Margate Boardwalk project by a margin of more than two to one. The City now turns its sights to making Atlantic Ave a little safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. This has been nicknamed the “Atlantic Ave Road Diet”. But before anything happens, three City Commissioners want residents to weigh in on the proposed plans for narrowing the street.
Atlantic Ave Road Diet
Currently, Atlantic Ave is a four-lane street (two lanes in each direction). A designated bicycle path and parking sit on the right hand side of each direction of traffic. The Atlantic Ave Road Diet basically reduces the street to one lane each. Then, they create a center median that allows a place for turning where needed. Finally, they widen the remaining traffic lane and add a small buffer between traffic and the bicycle paths.
With public safety and COVID-19 concerns in mind, the Board of Commissioners would like to present their ideas for this Atlantic Ave Road Diet via two virtual meetings. These meetings will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, December 15th, and at 6 pm on Wednesday, December 16th. All you need to do to join is visit the City of Margate’s website at the designated time on whichever day you choose. Click on the appropriate link and follow the instructions once you get to the virtual meeting’s landing page.
At each meeting, the Commissioners plan on presenting their concept for this road reduction. Additionally, they plan on discussing the potential pros and cons of the project as well as its safety benefits. These meetings provide the public with the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns. In turn, the commissioners take all of the information they receive from the public during these meetings into consideration when they make the decision whether or not to proceed with the project.
The City received DOT funding for the Atlantic Ave Road Diet project earlier this year. The $275,000 received helps offset this project’s estimated cost of $400,000. So, tune in on December 15th or 16th to find out exactly what the “Road Diet” is all about and let your voice be heard.
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate