Atlantic City Mayor Says Green Acres Restrictions Limit Development at Gardner's Basin

ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City officials would like to expand attractions and commercial activity at Gardner's Basin, but state Green Acres restrictions continue to limit what can be done at the popular waterfront destination, Mayor Marty Small said during a radio interview on Monday.

Responding to a caller on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, Small acknowledged that Gardner's Basin remains one of Atlantic City's signature attractions and agreed that more restaurants, family activities and other amenities would benefit the area.

"I agree with you 100%," Small said.

The mayor noted that the city has already invested millions of dollars in Gardner's Basin, including improvements to the Atlantic City Aquarium and surrounding public spaces. However, he said future development opportunities are constrained because the property is protected under New Jersey's Green Acres program.

"If we had it our way, that place would be busting at the seams," Small said. "Until such time we can make a deal with Green Acres and the Park Service, Gardner's Basin is going to be what it's is going to be."

According to Small, state officials regularly inspect the property to ensure it complies with Green Acres regulations. He said previous issues involving commercial activity on the site required the city to make changes after inspectors identified violations.

"We're going to be compliant," Small said, adding that city officials remain hopeful they can eventually reach an agreement that would allow additional improvements while satisfying state requirements.

During the interview, Cronick asked whether the city could exchange other municipal property—such as a portion of Bader Field—for Green Acres land at Gardner's Basin to create more flexibility for development.

Small said the question highlights the challenges the city already faces with the redevelopment of Bader Field, which must also navigate the Green Acres diversion process.

Using a sports analogy, the mayor said Green Acres rules typically require municipalities to replace protected land with multiple parcels of comparable property.

"You have to trade four players for one," Small said. "We're going to work with Green Acres to do a one-for-one diversion for Bader Field."

He added that the city does not control the review process.

"Nobody tells Green Acres what to do," Small said.

Despite the regulatory hurdles, Small said the city remains committed to finding ways to improve Gardner's Basin while preserving compliance with state requirements.

The comments came during Small's latest appearance on Off The Press with Scott Cronick, which airs weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.