The Green Coalition of Atlantic City announced a first-of-its-kind Urban Agriculture District Overlay, which is now in the hands of Atlantic City’s City Council. The legislation aims at expanding urban farming, repurposing vacant lots, and improving food security across residential, commercial, and resort districts by establishing a zoning district overlay.

 

The ordinance, which was approved on first City Council reading in November, would ease land access for growers, support community organizations and small farmers, and promote ecological resilience.

 

Ayana Plummer who is Principal Community Organization Specialist with the City of Atlantic City’s Planning & Development Department, along with representatives from C.R.O.P.S. nonprofit and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, are praising the measure for strengthening local food systems and connecting urban growers with statewide agricultural programs. The initiative aligns with a companion State Senate bill that would preserve underutilized urban land for farming and green space.

 

A second and final council vote is scheduled for the December 17th City Council meeting.