Ventnor Secures $960,000 Grant for Dorset Avenue Streetscape Project

Ventnor is moving forward with a major infrastructure investment in Ventnor Heights after securing a $960,000 federal grant to redesign and upgrade the Dorset Avenue commercial corridor. The funding is part of New Jersey’s Transportation Alternatives program and is aimed at improving walkability, safety, and long-term usability along one of the city’s key gateways.

City officials announced the award in late December, calling it a significant step toward revitalizing an aging stretch of roadway without placing additional burden on local taxpayers.

What Areas of Dorset Avenue Are Included?

The planned improvements will focus on multiple segments of Dorset Avenue, including:

• From the Dorset Avenue bridge to Monmouth Avenue

• From Calvert Avenue to Balfour Avenue

This portion of Dorset Avenue serves as a primary entrance into Ventnor Heights and connects residential neighborhoods with local businesses and the bridge into Atlantic City.

Commissioner Lance Landgraf described the project as a true “Gateway to Ventnor,” emphasizing both functionality and appearance.

What Improvements Are Planned?

While final design details will be shaped through an engineering and community input process, the grant funding is expected to support a full streetscape overhaul, including:

• New sidewalks, curbs, and gutters

• Improved street lighting

• Trees, benches, and bike racks

• Updated signage and streetscape features

The goal is to create a safer, more inviting environment for pedestrians and cyclists while enhancing the look and feel of the commercial district.

Why the Project Focuses on Walkability

Transportation Alternatives grants are specifically designed to fund projects that reduce vehicle dependency and encourage pedestrian- and bike-friendly design. For Dorset Avenue, that means making it easier for residents and visitors to move through the corridor safely, whether they’re walking to nearby shops or biking between neighborhoods.

City officials also noted that improved streetscapes can reduce long-term maintenance costs by addressing drainage and infrastructure issues proactively.

Coordination With County and Bridge Upgrades

Dorset Avenue is a county-owned roadway, and Ventnor officials credited Atlantic County with helping coordinate the project. The grant also aligns with planned aesthetic upgrades to the Dorset Avenue Bridge, ensuring the corridor improvements feel cohesive from end to end.

Design work is expected to begin in early 2026, with engineers and city planners working alongside residents and business owners to finalize plans before construction begins.

Why This Matters for Ventnor Heights

Infrastructure projects like this tend to have ripple effects beyond the roadway itself. Improved walkability and streetscape design can make commercial corridors more usable year-round, benefiting both local businesses and nearby residents.

For homeowners in Ventnor Heights, the project signals continued public investment in neighborhood infrastructure—an important factor in long-term livability and planning.

What’s Next?

The city will move into the design and public input phase in 2026. Residents and business owners along Dorset Avenue can expect opportunities to review plans and provide feedback before construction timelines are finalized.

Common Questions

Will traffic be affected during construction?
Specific traffic impacts will be determined during the design phase and communicated in advance.

Does this increase local taxes?
No. The project is funded through a federal grant.

When will construction begin?
Design work starts in early 2026; construction timelines will follow once plans are approved.

Sources: Governor’s Office of New Jersey; Breaking AC