Republic Bank Donation to Support Atlantic Cape’s Inlet Community Development Corp. Efforts in Atlantic City Inlet Neighborhood

ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic Cape Community College’s Inlet Community Development Corporation (CDC) received a $22,000 contribution from Republic Bank on December 18 that will support the CDC’s efforts in Atlantic City’s Inlet neighborhood.

Atlantic Cape formed the Inlet CDC in August 2022 thanks to a Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Planning grant that was awarded by the State of New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA). The financial donation to the Inlet CDC’s Small Business Support Services will benefit established small businesses in Atlantic City.

“Through this initiative the Inlet CDC will boost existing small businesses through facade improvement grants, working capital grant programs and sponsored community events,” said Dr. Natalie Devonish, Atlantic Cape’s Vice President, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “We are also working to establish additional resources and training for these small businesses and new entrepreneurs seeking to start a business in the Inlet neighborhood.”

Members of the Inlet Community Advisory Committee, comprised of local Atlantic City residents, stakeholders and business owners, and with the support of Atlantic Cape and Rutala Associates, Inc., created the Inlet Action Strategy Plan, which was submitted in June 2022 and approved by the NJDCA in October 2022.

An early initiative of the Inlet CDC, in collaboration with the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and the Hydrangea Trail 2.0, is the beautification of planters, which are located in front of participating Inlet businesses, painted with decorative murals and filled with attractive hydrangea flowers.

In 2024, the Inlet CDC is planning to:

• design and construct a community garden at Fisherman’s Park;
• renovate and expand Altman Park;
• expand the Hydrangea Trail 2.0 at Gardner’s Basin;
• create a homeowner’s incentivization program;
• create a home facade improvement program for existing Inlet homeowners;
• create economic development initiatives for Inlet small businesses;
• expand Atlantic City’s art mural program throughout the Inlet;
• and create inclusive community events within the Inlet neighborhood.

The Inlet neighborhood is a diverse community of approximately 5,800 residents, small businesses, active civic organizations and historic landmarks. Its boundaries are Pacific Avenue to Atlantic Avenue between Connecticut Avenue and Absecon Inlet; and Virginia Avenue to Absecon Inlet between Pacific and Baltic avenues, and between Massachusetts Avenue to Absecon Inlet between Madison Avenue and Gardner’s Basin.

Visit www.acinlet.org for more information on the Inlet Community Development Corporation.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 33 certificate and workforce development professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with several four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree without having to leave home.