CRDA Accepts Douglas Development Corporation Proposal To Redevelop 20 S. Tennessee Avenue Property

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – (January 18, 2022) – At its monthly Board Meeting today, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) Board of Directors accepted a redevelopment proposal from Douglas Development Corporation to redevelop the CRDA-owned land and improvements located at 20 S. Tennessee Avenue, and authorization for the Executive Director to negotiate and enter into a Purchase Agreement with Douglas Development Corporation to sell the land and all improvements on Block 147, Lot 3 for the proposal amount of $100,000.

In September, 2021, the Authority released a request for proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of the CRDA-owned property at 20 S. Tennessee Avenue, also known as “Tate House” and formerly owned by John Brooks Recovery Center (JBRC). The Authority received two (2) responses, one of which was from the Douglas Development Corporation.

The Douglas Development Corporation proposal includes converting the property into 14 residential units. Douglas is also acquiring adjacent privately owned properties and plans to redevelop the block with a total of 47 new apartments in interconnected buildings.

“This redevelopment exemplifies the CRDA mission by activating dormant properties owned by the CRDA and enabling us to attract new residents to Atlantic City.” said CRDA Board Chairman Modia Butler.

In other business today, the CRDA Board approved a fund reservation in the amount not to exceed $794,860 and authorization to negotiate and execute a community development grant with NAN Newark Tech World to administer the Leaders in Training (LIT) program for at-risk youth. With prior funding from the CRDA in 2020 and 2021, what started as a program of 20 at-risk youth in 2019 is now serving over 250 at-risk youth receiving mentoring, workforce and life skills development.

The CRDA funds will support a portion of support staff and payroll for youth, with matching funds in the amount of $510,000 from the Jingoli and Allen families, the Casino Association.

The Board also approved a three (3) year community development grant to Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Atlantic County, and established a fund reservation in an amount not to exceed $685,000 ($231,000 1st year; and $227,000 for years 2 and 3). These funds will allow JFS to expand the capacity of its outpatient counseling services and address the surge in unmet mental health needs in Atlantic City due to the pandemic.

Additionally, the Board authorized to amend an agreement with The Volunteers of America (VOA) to extend its Human Trafficking Pilot Program for an additional one-year period beginning October 22, 2021 and ending on October 21, 2022. As Atlantic City leads the State in human trafficking, the CRDA is committed to assisting community partners to reduce crime through outreach, victim support and collaboration with involved agencies.

“Addressing societal ills supports the mission of CRDA to improve the quality of life in Atlantic City,” added Butler.

Board actions will take effect following the expiration of the Governor’s statutory review period.

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About the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City. CRDA’s expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center. In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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