Citizens Groups Challenge Ordinance Granting Atlantic Shores Street Permits and Easements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2025
ATLANTIC CITY — A local citizens committee supported by dozens of volunteers from grassroots organizations Save The East Coast and Defend Our Beaches is celebrating the successful completion of its petition drive challenging City Council Ordinance No. 74 of 2024. The Ordinance, approved by Council in a 5-4 vote on Dec. 18th, grants certain consents, permits and easements to Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1 in support of its offshore wind project. The group submitted the petition at City Hall yesterday after collecting 2,092 signatures from concerned citizens who oppose the construction of offshore wind turbines and connecting high-voltage cables running through city streets and neighborhoods. The signature tally was more than double the requisite 801 and was gathered over the recent two-week holiday period. Petition signatures will now be verified by the City Clerk. Once verified, the Ordinance will be put forth as a ballot measure next fall. Atlantic City Councilman at Large George Tibbitt has been a vocal supporter of the campaign, emphasizing the importance of preserving the New Jersey Shore’s natural beauty and protecting the livelihoods of its residents.
“Offshore wind projects have far-reaching consequences that we cannot ignore,” said Atlantic City Council Member at Large George Tibbitt. “The voices of 2,092 petitioners demonstrate that this issue resonates with our communities. We must carefully consider the long-term impacts before moving forward with projects that could harm our environment and local economies.”
The Committee of Petitioners included Atlantic City residents Eileen Barker, Ronald Bailey, Patricia Deroo, and Dora Grossman among others. The group launched the petition shortly after AC Council narrowly passed the Ordinance with opposition votes coming from council members George Tibbitt, at Large, Maria Lacca, 5th Ward, Jesse Kurtz 6th, and Latoya Dunston 2nd. The petition and growing offshore wind opposition movement draws support from a diverse coalition of residents, grass roots environmental advocacy groups like Save the East Coast and Defend Our Beaches, fishermen, tourism industry leaders, and public officials at local, county, state and federal levels.
“We are deeply encouraged by the support we’ve received from the community andelected officials,” said Kathleen DiFabio, spokesperson for Save The East Coast. “These 2,092 signatures represent more than just numbers—they represent the voices of people who want their concerns heard. These citizens are speaking up because they care about the future of their neighborhoods, the ocean and its environment and coastal communities. “Turnout for this petition is a clear indicator of how deeply the community cares about this issue,” said Sherri Lilienfeld, of DefendOurBeachesNJ.org. “Residents want to be able to vote on this important decision. This level of engagement demonstrates not only their passion but also their commitment to safeguarding our beaches and ensuring their voices are heard in shaping policies that will have long-term impacts on our environment, economy, and way of life.”
Save The East Coast Inc. is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit ocean environmental advocacy group based in New Jersey. The organization is dedicated to promoting the social welfare of the ocean and raising awareness about environmental and economic risks posed by offshore wind and ocean industrialization.