Amusement Park Not amusing to some

Some homeowners in Sea Isle City oppose amusement park
By BRIAN IANIERIStaff Writer, (609) 463-6713
Press of Atlantic City
Published: Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Updated: Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Alex Alexander bought a house in the northern end of the city for its peacefulness.

It was unlike the Philadelphia resident's previous perception of Jersey Shore resort towns as a conglomeration of boardwalks and bells, she said.

She does not want the sounds, lights and traffic that would come with an amusement park in that setting, she said.

“It's quiet. It's beautiful. It's one of the places left on the Jersey Shore that's not commercial,” said Alexander, who splits time between Philadelphia and Sea Isle City.

Kathryn Doyle and Alexander, who listed addresses in both Sea Isle City and Philadelphia, sent Sea Isle City a letter opposing the building an amusement park on Landis Avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets.

Last month, Sea Isle City disclosed that an amusement park company, Atlantic Pier Amusements, was interested in opening a park on a former landfill.

City Commissioner James Iannone said the city is still waiting for its requests for proposals from amusement companies that might want to use the former landfill. Iannone said several companies have expressed an interest.

“I think it's a wonderful idea, something we need,” he said.

Alexander's objections include increased traffic on Landis Avenue, noise pollution, increased trash and negative impacts on property values, according to the letter.

“I don't really want it in Sea Isle. I like the quietness, and the fact it's about sailing, it's about swimming, it's about sitting on the beach,” Alexander said. “It's pretty laid back.”

Alexander also said the two-lane Landis Avenue would be gridlocked in the summer if amusement park traffic would have to compete with the normal congestion.

About six years ago, the city lost Fun City, a popular family recreation spot that was sold and developed.

Iannone said the city will take the letter into consideration.

The site had been looked at for a golf course but was too small for a nine-hole course, Iannone said.

If the city does approve an amusement park at that site, it would likely lease the land, perhaps for 30 years or longer, Iannone said.