The governor is scheduled to attend a statewide housing conference at Harrah's on Sept. 29-30, with a local tour expected to include new residential construction near the Absecon Lighthouse.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill is expected to tour residential development projects in Atlantic City next week as part of a visit to the resort for a statewide housing and economic development conference, according to Assemblyman Don Guardian.
Guardian, R-Atlantic, revealed the planned tour during a Monday, Sept. 21, interview with local developer Keith Groff on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND.
The assemblyman said he and Assemblywoman Claire Swift plan to lead a bus tour with the governor and participants attending a housing seminar in Atlantic City.
The tour is expected to include Groff's residential development near the Absecon Lighthouse, where construction is underway on the second phase of a luxury townhouse project.
"We're absolutely stopping by your location," Guardian told Groff during the interview.
Guardian said he hoped the developer would be available to speak with the governor and other participants about his project.
"Let the governor know what you're doing," Guardian said.
Groff welcomed the invitation.
"Well, it'd be a pleasure. Thank you so much," he said.
Governor Scheduled to Address Statewide Housing Conference
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has confirmed that Sherrill is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development.
The conference will take place Sept. 29-30 at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City.
The two-day event will bring together housing professionals, developers, government officials and community leaders to discuss housing affordability, economic development and strategies for increasing the state's housing supply.
The conference will also include workshops and panel discussions addressing affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, redevelopment, energy affordability and other issues.
The state's official announcement identifies a guided bus tour of Atlantic City redevelopment projects as part of the conference programming.
Guardian's comments provide additional details about the anticipated participation of the governor and the planned visit to Groff's development.
The governor's office has not separately confirmed the complete tour itinerary or the specific time of the proposed stop near the lighthouse.
Tour Expected to Highlight New Housing Construction
Groff is currently developing luxury townhomes in Atlantic City's Southeast Inlet.
His first phase consists of eight homes, with seven sold and the final unit recently listed for $899,000.
Construction is underway on seven additional homes, with the developer expecting completion in stages before Thanksgiving.
Groff told Guardian that one of the new homes has already sold for just under $1 million.
The developer is also planning a third phase near the lighthouse.
Guardian said the governor's visit would provide an opportunity to highlight the residential investment taking place in the neighborhood.
The assemblyman told Groff that he and Swift expected to spend approximately two hours on the tour with the governor and other conference participants.
He said his office would contact Groff about participating in the visit.
Housing Development a Focus of Sherrill Administration
The planned visit comes as the Sherrill administration pursues statewide initiatives intended to increase housing construction and improve affordability.
In April, the governor signed Executive Order 17, directing state agencies to coordinate efforts to accelerate housing production and expand access to housing opportunities.
The order also established a Housing Governing Council tasked with reviewing state-owned land, regulations and development processes that could affect housing construction.
State officials have said recommendations from that effort will be presented during the September housing conference.
The Atlantic City tour is expected to provide conference participants with examples of residential redevelopment taking place in the resort.
More Details Expected Next Week
Guardian said he looked forward to showing the governor the progress being made on new housing near the Absecon Lighthouse.
"The assemblywoman and myself are going to look forward next Tuesday to bring the governor down," he told Groff.
The governor's conference is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 29-30.
Although the conference and its redevelopment tour have been officially announced, the specific itinerary and Sherrill's participation in the proposed stop at Groff's development remain subject to confirmation.
Additional details about the governor's visit are expected as the conference approaches.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
