CAPE MAY – Cape May City Council adopted a neighborhood preservation plan Jan. 21 for an area bounded by Washington, Ocean, Lafayette and Queen streets.
The purpose of the action was an application to the state Department of Community Affairs to use state funding for neighborhood revitalization projects.
The state’s Neighborhood Preservation Program is intended to serve as a catalyst for the economic development of neighborhoods threatened but viable. The funding requires a 20% match from non-state resources.
The city hopes that activities in the designated area show a commitment to neighborhood transition that would be enhanced by the use of state funding. Projects underway include the repurposing of the historic Franklin Street School, as a branch of the county Library System, the redevelopment of Lafayette Street Park and the ongoing evaluations that may lead to city investment in the fire-damaged Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The city expects to hear quickly on the grant application.
