Atlantic City Wants to Turn Residents Into Real Estate Developers

ATLANTIC CITY — A new initiative aimed at teaching Atlantic City residents how to redevelop vacant lots and neglected properties is taking shape as city leaders continue to push for neighborhood revitalization beyond the casino district.

The JumpStart Developer Training Program, launched by the Chelsea Economic Development Corporation, is designed to give aspiring developers the knowledge and resources needed to transform underutilized properties into new housing and investment opportunities.

Supporters say the program could help create a new generation of local developers while encouraging redevelopment from within the community rather than relying solely on outside investors.

At the same time, the city's Inlet neighborhood continues to see progress through the Lighthouse Row development, where new homes have steadily replaced long-vacant parcels near Absecon Lighthouse.

Speaking on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, Atlantic City 6th Ward Councilman Jesse O. Kurtz said the two efforts represent a similar philosophy: empowering neighborhood investment and creating long-term residential growth.

Kurtz described Lighthouse Row as one of Atlantic City's most significant redevelopment success stories over the past decade.

The project, located near Absecon Lighthouse, is continuing to expand with its second phase under construction and plans for a third phase. Kurtz credited developer Keith Groff with investing in the neighborhood years before larger-scale development began.

"When he started Phase One of Lighthouse Row, he was one of the few people actually building something—not only in the Inlet, but in town," Kurtz said.

According to Kurtz, the new JumpStart program seeks to replicate that type of neighborhood investment by teaching residents every stage of the real estate development process—from acquiring property and securing financing to construction, permitting and long-term property management.

"The concept is basically to create more opportunities for people to do what Keith Groff is doing around the lighthouse, but to do it in the Chelsea neighborhood," Kurtz said.

He said the initiative was modeled after successful redevelopment programs in other communities and has the potential to produce a pipeline of local developers committed to improving Atlantic City's neighborhoods.

Kurtz also praised Chelsea Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Alice Woods for continuing the organization's redevelopment efforts following a recent leadership transition.

While the Lighthouse Row project and JumpStart focus on different sections of the city, Kurtz said both demonstrate how neighborhood-based investment can strengthen Atlantic City's housing market, attract new residents and create momentum beyond the tourism industry.

Kurtz made the remarks during an interview with Scott Cronick on Off The Press with Scott Cronick, which airs weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.