Ventnor City, New Jersey

Template:Short description Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox settlement Ventnor City is a city situated on the Jersey Shore on Absecon Island, within Atlantic County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, on the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2020 United States census, the city's population was 9,210,<ref name=Census2020 /><ref name=LWD2020 /> a decrease of 1,440 (−13.5%) from the 2010 census count of 10,650,<ref name=Census2010 /><ref name=LWD2010 /> which in turn reflected a decrease of 2,260 (−17.5%) from the 12,910 counted in the 2000 census.<ref>Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.</ref> The city, and all of Atlantic County, is part of the Atlantic City–Hammonton metropolitan statistical area, which is part of the Philadelphia–Wilmington–Camden, PA–NJ–DE–MD combined statistical area, also known as the Delaware Valley or Philadelphia metropolitan area.<ref>New Jersey: 2020 Core Based Statistical Areas and Counties, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 22, 2022.</ref>

Ventnor City was incorporated as a city by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 17, 1903, from portions of Egg Harbor Township.<ref name=Story>Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 71. Accessed May 30, 2024.</ref><ref>Honeyman, Abraham Van Doren. Index-analysis of the Statutes of New Jersey, 1896-1909: Together with References to All Acts, and Parts of Acts, in the 'General Statutes' and Pamphlet Laws Expressly Repealed: and the Statutory Crimes of New Jersey During the Same Period, p. 307. New Jersey Law Journal Publishing Company, 1910. Accessed October 18, 2015.</ref>

History

S. Bartram Richards, the wife of the secretary-treasurer of the Camden and Atlantic Land Company, suggested the name "Ventnor" for the area then being developed by the company south of Atlantic City, having recently visited the English seaside resort on the Isle of Wight with the same name. The name was chosen in January 1889. The city was formally incorporated by the New Jersey Legislature on March 17, 1903.<ref name=History>History Template:Webarchive, City of Ventnor City. Accessed December 4, 2011.</ref><ref>Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed October 18, 2015.</ref>

Chapter 51 of the laws and Sessions of the State of New Jersey provided the beginning to Ventnor City, stating:<ref name=History/>

The first meeting was held on April 20, 1903, in the Carisbrooke Inn, which was located behind the present City Hall, on Atlantic Avenue between Cambridge and Sacramento Avenues; Carisbrooke is also a place name taken from the Isle of Wight.<ref name=History/>

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Ventnor City city had a total area of 3.52 square miles (9.13 km²), including 1.96 square miles (5.07 km²) of land and 1.57 square miles (4.06 km²) of water (44.52%).<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name=GR1 />

The city is located on Template:Convert long Absecon Island, along with Atlantic City to the northeast, and Margate City and Longport on the southwest.<ref>Absecon Island Shore Protection Project Template:Webarchive, United States Army Corps of Engineers. Accessed December 4, 2011. "Construct an approximate $63 million beach and dune system along the 8.1 mile oceanfront of Absecon Island that includes, the cities of Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate and Longport."</ref> The boardwalk runs along the entire Template:Convert Ventnor City beach front and is connected to the Atlantic City Boardwalk. It ends at Ventnor City's border with Margate City.<ref>Tanenbaum, Michael. "2018 Jersey Shore beach guide: Ventnor All the info you need about beach tags, weather, events and more in Atlantic City southern neighbor", Philly Voice, May 17, 2018. Accessed March 8, 2020. "And when you're ready to step up the activity level, Ventnor's boardwalk is a 1.7 miles stroll straight into Atlantic City."</ref> The city borders Atlantic City and Margate City.<ref>Areas touching Ventnor City, MapIt. Accessed March 8, 2020.</ref><ref>Atlantic County District Map, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed July 9, 2024.</ref><ref>New Jersey Municipal Boundaries, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.</ref>

Demographics

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 10,650 people, 4,592 households, and 2,645 families in the city. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 7,829 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup was 75.83% (8,076) White, 4.25% (453) Black or African American, 0.47% (50) Native American, 8.68% (924) Asian, 0.05% (5) Pacific Islander, 8.08% (860) from other races, and 2.65% (282) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.05% (1,922) of the population.<ref name=Census2010/>

Of the 4,592 households, 20.9% had children under the age of 18; 39.3% were married couples living together; 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present and 42.4% were non-families. Of all households, 34.6% were made up of individuals and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 3.00.<ref name=Census2010/>

18.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 31.0% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.5 years. For every 100 females, the population had 94.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 90.0 males.<ref name=Census2010/>

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $52,465 (with a margin of error of ±Template:Nbsp$3,688) and the median family income was $66,467 (±Template:Nbsp$9,437). Males had a median income of $42,560 (±Template:Nbsp$12,377) versus $33,693 (±Template:Nbsp$5,007) for females. The per capita income for the city was $34,790 (±Template:Nbsp$4,057). About 9.0% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.1% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.<ref>DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Ventnor City city, Atlantic County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 17, 2012.</ref>

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census<ref name="GR2" /> there were 12,910 people, 5,480 households, and 3,255 families residing in the city. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 8,009 housing units at an average density of 1, 445.0/km² (3,736.6/sq mi). The racial makeup of the city was 77.10% White, 2.94% African American, 0.19% Native American, 7.45% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 9.37% from other races, and 2.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.14% of the population.<ref name=Census2000>Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Ventnor City city, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 9, 2012.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Ventnor City city, Atlantic County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 9, 2012.</ref>

The most common ethnic groups reported in the 2000 Census in Ventnor City were Italian (22.8%), Irish (15.5%), German (8.7%), English (6.2%), Russian (4.2%), Polish (3.6%).<ref>City Data for Ventnor City, City-Data. Accessed November 27, 2006.</ref>

There were 5,480 households, out of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.5% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.6% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.02.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

In the city the population was spread out, with 20.0% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

The median income for a household in the city was $42,478, and the median income for a family was $52,701. Males had a median income of $31,300 versus $26,788 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,631. About 3.4% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

Government

Local government

On September 17, 1968, the existing Mayor-Council form of government was changed to a Commission form of government, under the Walsh Act, one of seven municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form.<ref>Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> The governing body is comprised of three Commissioners who are elected at-large to serve four-year terms on a concurrent basis in non-partisan elections held as part of the May municipal election. After each election, the three elected commissioners are each assigned a department to oversee and choose one of their members to serve as Mayor.<ref>Administration, Ventnor City. Accessed February 23, 2025. "Ventnor City was incorporated on March 17, 1903. On September 17, 1968, the then Mayor-Council form of government was changed to a Commission form of government. The Ventnor City Commission is governed by the Walsh Act and consists of a Mayor and two Commissioners. The Mayor and Commissioners serve a four-year term. Voters within the City of Ventnor City choose three Commissioners to serve the four-year term. The three top finishers then choose their selection to serve as Mayor."</ref><ref name=DataBook>2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 12.</ref><ref>"The Commission Form of Municipal Government" Template:Webarchive, p. 53. Accessed June 3, 2015.</ref><ref>"Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey", p. 8. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref><ref>Cerra, Michael F. "Forms of Government: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask", New Jersey State League of Municipalities, March 2007. Accessed January 1, 2025.</ref>

Template:As of, the members of the Ventnor City Board of Commissioners, serving concurrent terms of office ending May 2028, are Mayor Tim Kriebel (Commissioner of Public Safety),<ref name=Mayor>Mayor Tim Kriebel, Ventnor City. Accessed February 23, 2025.</ref> Lance B. Landgraf Jr.(Commissioner of Public Works and Code Enforcement)<ref>Commissioner Landgraf, Ventnor City. Accessed February 23, 2025.</ref> and Maria Mento (Commissioner of Revenue and Finance).<ref>Commissioner Mento, Ventnor City. Accessed February 23, 2025.</ref><ref>2024 Municipal Data Sheet, Ventnor City. Accessed February 23, 2025.</ref><ref>LoBiondo, Nanette. "Imagine Ventnor picks Kriebel to serve as mayor", Downbeach.com. Accessed February 23, 2025/ "Ventnor Commissioner Maria Mento, Mayor Tim Kriebel and Commissioner Lance Landgraf took their oaths of office Thursday, May 23, 2024. The Imagine Ventnor team, which ran unopposed in the May 14 Board of Commissioners election, was sworn in Thursday evening and chose Tim Kriebel to serve as mayor for the next four years."</ref>

Beth Holtzman stepped down as mayor in January 2023 as she was moving out of the city.<ref>Vazquez, Selena. "Ventnor mayor Holtzman to step down", The Press of Atlantic City, January 21, 2023. Accessed March 8, 2023. "For Beth Holtzman, being the city’s mayor has been one of her greatest fulfillments in life, which is why it crushed her to announce she will be stepping down Feb. 7. Holtzman announced Thursday she will be leaving the city’s Board of Commissioners because she is getting divorced and moving out of town."</ref> The next month, Lance Landgraf took office as mayor and administrator Maria Mento was appointed to fill Holtzman's seat as commissioner on an interim basis until the November 2023 general election, when voters will choose a candidate to serve the balance of the term of office.<ref>Galloway, Nanette LoBiondo. "Acting Mayor Lance Landgraf announces he intends to serve as mayor for remainder of Holtzman’s term", Downbeach, February 17, 2023. Accessed March 8, 2023. "Acting Mayor and Commissioner of Public Works and Code Enforcement Lance Landgraf announced Friday morning in a city newsletter that he intends to serve as mayor for the remainder of former Mayor Beth Holtzman’s term, which expires in May 2024. Holtzman resigned from the Board of Commissioners as of Feb. 9. She is moving out of town and will reside in Galloway Township. On Thursday, Feb. 23, the board will swear in Acting Administrator Maria Mento to fill Holtzman’s commission seat until the next General Election on Nov. 7."</ref>

In the 2016 municipal elections, the Imagine Ventnor slate of Beth Holtzman, Tim Kriebel and Lance Landgraf won election in a field of five candidates, with none of the incumbents running for re-election.<ref>Staff. "Imagine Ventnor team takes Tuesday election", The Press of Atlantic City, May 10, 2016. Accessed June 15, 2016. "The three candidates who campaigned as a team swept the City Commission election Tuesday, each winning four-year terms for the Imagine Ventnor slate. Beth Maccagnano Holtzman, Tim Kriebel and Lance Landgraf took the most votes, in that order."</ref>

In the May 2012 elections, challengers Mike Bagnell (with 1,213 votes) and Frank Sarno (1,175) won seats on the commission, while incumbent Theresa Kelly won the third seat with 1,164 votes, putting her two votes ahead of Albert Battaglia after provisional ballots were counted.<ref>Lemongello, Steven. "Ventnor election results certified: Bagnell, Kelly, Sarno declared winners", The Press of Atlantic City, May 14, 2012. Accessed September 9, 2012. "Frank Sarno, Mike Bagnell and Mayor Theresa Kelly have been certified as the winners of last Tuesday's election, according to the Ventnor city clerk — but a recount for the final spot is still possible. Sarno and Bagnell, the challengers on a slate with Albert Battaglia, received 1,175 and 1,213 votes, respectively. Kelly, who was four votes behind following the machine and mail-in count, ended up two votes ahead of Battaglia for the third and final seat."</ref><ref>Smith, Shaun. "Bagnell is the new mayor in Ventnor", Shore News Today, May 16, 2012. Accessed September 9, 2012. "Bagnell, 57, was chosen mayor by his fellow commissioners. He will also serve as the commissioner of public affairs and public safety. Kelly will continue to serve as the commissioner of public works, parks and public property as she has since 2010, and Sarno will take over as commissioner of revenue and finance."</ref>

Michael Advena was sworn into office in November 2011 after winning a special election for the vacant seat that had been held by Stephen Weintrob.<ref>Smith, Shaun. "Advena beats Kreischer for commission seat", Shore News Today, November 8, 2011. Accessed December 4, 2011. "Mike Advena was elected Tuesday to serve as commissioner for the next six months over challenger and former mayor Tim Kreischer. With 34 percent of registered voters coming out to polls for the nonpartisan municipal election to fill the unexpired term of Stephen Weintrob through May 15, 2012, Advena received 1,162 votes – or 53.64 percent – and Kreischer received 1,001 votes, or 46.21 percent."</ref><ref>Smith, Shaun. "Advena sworn in as Ventnor commissioner", Shore News Today, November 21, 2011. Accessed December 4, 2011. "Shortly after taking the oath of office Friday, Mike Advena took a look at his office as commissioner of revenue and finance. Advena, 47, was sworn in to his first term on the Ventnor City Commission by Mayor Theresa Kelly Friday, Nov. 18 – shortly after the Nov. 8 election results were certified by the county."</ref>

Federal, state and county representation

Ventnor City is located in the 2nd Congressional District<ref name=PCR2012>Plan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020.</ref> and is part of New Jersey's 2nd state legislative district.<ref name=Districts2011>Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.</ref><ref name=LWV2019>2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed October 30, 2019.</ref><ref>Districts by Number for 2011-2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.</ref>

Politics

As of March 2011, there were a total of 6,293 registered voters in Ventnor City, of which 1,636 (26.0% vs. 30.5% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 2,012 (32.0% vs. 25.2%) were registered as Republicans and 2,644 (42.0% vs. 44.3%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There was one voter registered to another party.<ref name=VoterRegistration>Voter Registration Summary - Atlantic, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref> Among the city's 2010 Census population, 59.1% (vs. 58.8% in Atlantic County) were registered to vote, including 72.5% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 76.6% countywide).<ref name=VoterRegistration/><ref>GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref>

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 2,170 votes (51.8% vs. 57.9% countywide), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 1,965 votes (46.9% vs. 41.1%) and other candidates with 30 votes (0.7% vs. 0.9%), among the 4,192 ballots cast by the city's 6,861 registered voters, for a turnout of 61.1% (vs. 65.8% in Atlantic County).<ref>Presidential November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Atlantic County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref><ref>Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Atlantic County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref> In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 2,372 votes (50.3% vs. 56.5% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 2,257 votes (47.8% vs. 41.6%) and other candidates with 50 votes (1.1% vs. 1.1%), among the 4,718 ballots cast by the city's 7,009 registered voters, for a turnout of 67.3% (vs. 68.1% in Atlantic County).<ref>2008 Presidential General Election Results: Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref> In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 2,493 votes (52.1% vs. 52.0% countywide), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 2,205 votes (46.1% vs. 46.2%) and other candidates with 32 votes (0.7% vs. 0.8%), among the 4,783 ballots cast by the city's 6,726 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.1% (vs. 69.8% in the whole county).<ref>2004 Presidential Election: Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref>

Presidential elections results

Year	Republican	Democratic	Third Parties
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|2024<ref name="2024Elections">Template:Cite web</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|51.4% 2,365	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|46.6% 2,144	2.0% 73
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2020<ref name="2020Elections">Template:Cite web</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|47.8% 2,448	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|51.1% 2,619	1.1% 56
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2016<ref name="2016Elections">Template:Cite web</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|47.0% 1,871	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|48.4% 1,924	4.6% 184
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2012<ref name="2012Elections">Template:Cite web</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|46.9% 1,965	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|51.8% 2,170	0.7% 30
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2008<ref name="state.nj.us">[1], New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed January 9, 2025.</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|47.8% 2,257	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|50.3% 2,372	1.1% 50
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2004<ref name="Presidential Election 2004">[2], New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed January 9, 2025.</ref>	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|46.1% 2,205	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|52.1% 2,493	0.7% 32

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 1,806 votes (66.9% vs. 60.0% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 775 votes (28.7% vs. 34.9%) and other candidates with 40 votes (1.5% vs. 1.3%), among the 2,699 ballots cast by the city's 6,897 registered voters, yielding a 39.1% turnout (vs. 41.5% in the county).<ref>2013 Governor: Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, January 29, 2014. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref><ref>Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 5, 2013 General Election Results : Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, January 29, 2014. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref> In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 1,548 votes (50.9% vs. 47.7% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 1,290 votes (42.4% vs. 44.5%), Independent Chris Daggett with 132 votes (4.3% vs. 4.8%) and other candidates with 26 votes (0.9% vs. 1.2%), among the 3,043 ballots cast by the city's 6,549 registered voters, yielding a 46.5% turnout (vs. 44.9% in the county).<ref>2009 Governor: Atlantic County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 24, 2014.</ref>

Education

The Ventnor City School District serves public school students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. As of the 2023–24 school year, the district, comprised of two schools, had an enrollment of 495 students and 71.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 7.0:1.<ref name=NCES>District information for Ventnor City School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 15, 2024.</ref> The Ventnor City School District operates two schools for Pre-K–8 within the Ventnor Educational Community Complex. The Ventnor City School District operates two schools for PreK-8 within the Ventnor Educational Community Complex. Schools in the district (with 2023–24 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics<ref>School Data for the Ventnor City School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 15, 2024.</ref>) are Ventnor Elementary School<ref>Ventnor Elementary School, Ventnor City School District. Accessed February 24, 2025.</ref> with 302 students in grades PreK–5 and > Ventnor Middle School<ref>Ventnor Middle School, Ventnor City School District. Accessed February 24, 2025.</ref> with 177 students in grades 6–8.<ref>Public School Directory 2024–2025, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed February 1, 2025.</ref><ref>School Performance Reports for the Ventnor City School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 3, 2024.</ref><ref>New Jersey School Directory for the Ventnor City School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref> The district's board of education consists of seven members who set policy and oversee the fiscal and educational operation of the district through its administration. As a Type I school district, the board's trustees are appointed by the mayor to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either two or three members up for reappointment each year. Of the more than 680 school districts statewide, Ventnor City is one of approximately a dozen districts with appointed school districts.<ref>Roll, Erin. "Montclair Parents Debate Appointed Vs. Elected School Board", Montclair Local, April 4, 2019. Accessed December 2, 2024. "Montclair is one of 11 school districts in New Jersey in which the board of education is appointed by the mayor, rather than elected.... As of 2018, Montclair was one of only 11 Type I school districts in New Jersey. The other 10 are Ventnor, Port Republic, Rockleigh, Pine Valley, East Orange, East Newark, Union City, Harrison, Trenton and Summit."</ref><ref>"NJ municipalities whose mayors choose the school board", NJ Spotlight News, March 9, 2022. Accessed February 24, 2025. "Until a citizen-led petition was successful in November 2021, Montclair was one of the few municipalities in the state where the mayor gets to decide who sits on the school board. Of New Jersey’s 686 districts only 13 still retain that power for the mayor. They are Brigantine, Corbin City, Margate, Port Republic, Ventnor City, Rockleigh, Pine Valley, East Orange, East Newark, Harrison, Union City, Trenton and Summit."</ref>

Public school students in ninth through twelfth grades, along with those from Brigantine and Margate City, attend Atlantic City High School in neighboring Atlantic City, as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Atlantic City School District that has existed since 1920.<ref>Atlantic City Public School District 2016 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed November 26, 2017. "The Atlantic City Public School District is a Pre-K to 12 school district operating Eleven (11) schools. Our Pre-K through 8th grade schools serve Atlantic City, while our high school serves the students of Atlantic City, Ventnor, Brigantine, Margate and Longport. "</ref><ref>Rotondo, Christie. "Shore towns may pay less as Atlantic City schools slash budgets", The Press of Atlantic City, June 14, 2015. Accessed February 24, 2025. "Over the years, Brigantine, Ventnor, Margate and Longport have criticized the high cost of tuition to send their students to Atlantic City High School."</ref> As of the 2023–24 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 1,699 students and 144.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.7:1.<ref>School data for Atlantic City High School, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 15, 2024.</ref> The Ventnor district has considered options for an alternative high school sending relationship.<ref>Lemongello, Steven. "Ventnor school district waiting, watching as Brigantine attempts to pull students from Atlantic City High School", The Press of Atlantic City, March 14, 2011. Accessed October 25, 2014. "The Brigantine School District has already sought to sever its relationship with Atlantic City High School, and now Ventnor is weighing its options. The Ventnor School District is in a 'wait-and-see pattern' when it comes to Brigantine's bid to send its students to Cedar Creek High School in Egg Harbor City, Ventnor Superintendent Carmine Bonanni said. A successful effort by Brigantine could lead the way for Ventnor, one of three other Atlantic City High School sending districts, to make a change."</ref>

City public school students are also eligible to attend the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in the Mays Landing section of Hamilton Township<ref>Frequently Asked Questions, Atlantic County Institute of Technology. Accessed May 17, 2017. "What does it cost to attend ACIT? As a public school, there is no cost to Atlantic County residents of high school age. New Jersey Title 18A:54-20.1 entitles students the right to choose ACIT for their high school education."</ref> or the Charter-Tech High School for the Performing Arts, located in Somers Point.<ref>Profile, Charter-Tech High School for the Performing Arts. Accessed May 18, 2017.</ref>

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden operated St. James School, a K–8 school, until 2008, when it merged with Blessed Sacrament School in Margate City into Holy Family Regional School (using the St. James site). By 2011 it had a loss of $172,000 and only had 92 students.<ref>"Ventnor school to close in June", Catholic Star Herald, February 17, 2011. Accessed September 20, 2022. "Holy Family Regional School, Ventnor, will close in June at the end of this school year."</ref> The sponsoring churches of Holy Family were Holy Trinity Church in Ventnor and St. Gianna Beretta Church of Northfield. The diocese announced that it would close Holy Family at the end of the 2010–2011 school year, as its enrollment was insufficient to cover the deficit.<ref>Holy Family Regional School, Ventnor, to close Template:Webarchive, Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden. Accessed August 11, 2013.</ref><ref>Barna, John. "Holy Family School in Ventnor to close at end of school year", Gloucester County Times, February 10, 2011. Accessed August 11, 2013.</ref> The building was demolished in 2016.<ref>Lowe, Claire. "St. James School, convent in Ventnor demolished to make way for homes", The Press of Atlantic City, March 10, 2016. Accessed September 20, 2022.</ref>

Transportation

File:2018-10-04 15 35 47 View east along Atlantic County Route 629 (Dorset Avenue) at Winchester Avenue in Ventnor City, Atlantic County, New Jersey.jpg

County Route 629 in Ventnor City

Roads and highways

Template:As of, the city had a total of Template:Convert of roadways, of which Template:Convert were maintained by the municipality and Template:Convert by the county.<ref>Atlantic County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed November 20, 2013.</ref>

No Interstate, U.S., state or major county highway directly serves Ventnor City. The only numbered roads in Ventnor City are minor county routes, such as County Route 629.

Dorset Avenue Bridge

Dorset Avenue Bridge is a double-leaf bascule drawbridge across the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Inside Thorofare. Its operation is federally regulated.<ref>Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), Inside Thorofare, Ventnor City, NJ, Federal Register, March 11, 2011. Accessed September 14, 2017. "The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Dorset Avenue Bridge, across Inside Thorofare, mile 72.1, at Ventnor City. The deviation is necessary to facilitate cleaning and painting operations of the double-leaf bascule drawbridge."</ref> The bridge serves as a link in County Route 629.

Public transportation

NJ Transit provides bus service in the city to Atlantic City on routes 504 (from Margate)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and 505 (from Longport).<ref>Atlantic County Bus / Rail Connections, NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 26, 2010. Accessed November 20, 2013.</ref><ref>South Jersey Transit Guide Template:Webarchive, Cross County Connection, as of April 1, 2010. Accessed November 20, 2013.</ref>

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Ventnor City has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) with hot, moderately humid summers, cool winters and year-around precipitation. Cfa climates are characterized by all months having an average mean temperature above Template:Convert, at least four months with an average mean temperature at or above Template:Convert, at least one month with an average mean temperature at or above Template:Convert and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. During the summer months in Ventnor City, a cooling afternoon sea breeze is present on most days, but episodes of extreme heat and humidity can occur with heat index values at or above Template:Convert. During the winter months, episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values below Template:Convert. The plant hardiness zone at Ventnor City Beach is 7b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of Template:Convert.<ref name="USDA">Template:Cite web</ref> The average seasonal (November–April) snowfall total is Template:Convert, and the average snowiest month is February which corresponds with the annual peak in nor'easter activity.

Ecology

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Ventnor City would have a dominant vegetation type of Northern Cordgrass (73) with a dominant vegetation form of Coastal Prairie (20).<ref name="Conservation Biology Institute">U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions), Data Basin. Accessed March 18, 2020.</ref>

Notable people

Template:Category see also People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Ventnor City include:

• Chris A. Brown (born 1964), politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2012 to 2021, representing the 2nd Legislative District<ref>Brown, Chris A. "Assemblyman Chris A. Brown / Atlantic Club employees are assets the city needs", The Press of Atlantic City, January 12, 2014. Accessed October 25, 2014. "Chris A. Brown, of Ventnor, is a Republican assemblyman representing Atlantic County."</ref>
• B. J. Callaghan (born 1981), association football manager of Nashville SC, who was interim head coach of the United States men's national soccer team in 2023<ref>Tannewald, Jonathan. "Ex-Union assistant B.J. Callaghan to serve as interim USMNT coach this summer", The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 30, 2023. Accessed February 23, 2025. "Top assistant B.J. Callaghan, a Ventnor native with many years of experience with the national team and the Union, will lead the program through this summer’s Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup tournaments."</ref>
• Wayne Colman (born 1946), linebacker who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints<ref>Weinberg, David. "Saintly fans have Ventnor's Colman pulling for old team", The Press of Atlantic City, February 7, 2010. Accessed September 9, 2012. "Wayne Colman will wear a Wayne Colman jersey. The Ventnor native played 7½ seasons for the Saints as an outside linebacker from 1969-76.... Wayne Colman, a former standout at Atlantic City High School and Temple University, got his start in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 1968."</ref>
• Royden B. Davis (1923–2002), Dean of Georgetown College<ref>Estrada, Louie. "The Rev. Royden B. Davis; Georgetown Dean", The Washington Post, April 4, 2002. Accessed September 9, 2012. "The Rev. [Royden B. Davis], 78, a Jesuit priest who was dean of Georgetown University's college of arts and sciences from 1966 to 1989, died of congestive heart failure April 2 at the Jesuit residence at the University of Scranton (Pa.).... Father Davis was a native of Ventnor City, N.J."</ref>
• Walter Evans Edge (1873–1956), Governor of New Jersey from 1917 to 1919 and again from 1944 to 1947<ref>Staff. "2,500 In Jersey See Edge Inaugurated; He Takes Oath as Governor for Second Time in 27 Years as Edison Retires Charter Action Pledged Quick Move for Soldier Ballot and Hudson Vote Machines Among Steps Urged", The New York Times, January 19, 1944. Accessed September 9, 2012. "...Walter Evans Edge of Ventnor began here today a second term as the State's Chief Executive with a clarion call to the Legislature to draft a new constitution conforming to the demand of the electorate for a fundamental law basic to sound government."</ref>
• Angelo Errichetti (1928–2013), politician who served as Mayor of Camden and in the New Jersey Senate before being convicted during Abscam<ref>Colimore, Edward. "Angelo Errichetti dies; ex-Camden mayor was Abscam figure", The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 29, 2013. Accessed November 20, 2013. "Angelo J. Errichetti, 84, a former Camden mayor and state senator who was South Jersey's premier Democratic power broker in the decade before his 1981 bribery conviction in the Abscam scandal, has died after a long illness. He had been living in Ventnor, N.J."</ref>
• Frank S. Farley (1901–1977), New Jersey State Senator who was a Republican political boss in Atlantic County<ref>Kleiman, Dena. "Frank S. Farley, 75, Ex-Legislator And G.O.P. Leader in Jersey, Dies", The New York Times, September 25, 1977. Accessed July 25, 2012. "Frank S. Farley, a former New Jersey State Senator who served 34 years in the Legislature longer than anyone in New Jersey history and was regarded as one of the state's most influential politicians, died yesterday at his home in Ventnor, N.J. He was 75 years old."</ref>
• Benjamin Foulois (1879–1967), United States Army general and aviation pioneer<ref>Staff. "Foulois to Seek Congress Seat", The New York Times, August 5, 1942. Accessed September 9, 2012. "Benjamin D. Foulois of Ventnor, retired Army Air Corps chieftain and civilian defense coordinator for South Jersey, was designated here tonight by Republican leaders to run for Congress in New Jersey's Second Congressional District".</ref>
• Robert Geddes (1923–2023), architect who served as dean of the Princeton University School of Architecture<ref>Cook, Eugenia. "With an eye on the human element, an architect gives substance to ideas", The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 6, 1984. Accessed August 8, 2018. "Born in Philadelphia in 1923, he grew up in Ventnor."</ref>
• Roland Greenfield (1919–1997), member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 171st District<ref>Staff. "Former Pa. Representative Roland Greenfield Dies At 78", The Press of Atlantic City, August 23, 1997. Accessed September 9, 2012. "Former Majority Whip of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Roland Greenfield of Ventnor, died Friday at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. He was 78."</ref>
• Pinky Kravitz (1927–2015), radio broadcaster and print journalist<ref>Parisi, Albert J. "His Beat Is the City's Pulse", The New York Times, July 10, 1988. Accessed August 8, 2018. "Some call him 'Mr. Atlantic City,' others just 'Pinky,' but no matter where he's spotted in this resort, Seymour Kravitz is as much a legend as a local tradition.... At 6 feet 5 inches tall, slim and well tanned, the 60-year-old Ventnor resident is an imposing figure with a boyish smile."</ref>
• Frank LoBiondo (born 1946), member of Congress from Template:Ushr<ref>Smith, Shaun. "Ventnor adding local funds to federal beach project", Shore News Today, June 22, 2011. Accessed September 9, 2012. "Last July, U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, a Ventnor resident, announced the Army Corps of Engineers approval of $7.8 million in emergency federal funding to restore beaches eroded in Atlantic City and Ventnor during a nor'easter in November 2009."</ref>
• Barry Lubin (born 1952), "Grandma" of the Big Apple Circus<ref>Collins, Glenn. "Public Lives; Just in Time, Grandma Is Out of Retirement", The New York Times, November 20, 201. Accessed September 7, 2017. "Grandma was based in part on his own grandmothers, Myrtle Weinberg and Anne Lubin, as well as the elderly people he used to study on the Atlantic City boardwalk as a child. He grew up next door, in Ventnor, N.J., as the class clown, he recalls."</ref>
• Siegmund Lubin (1851–1923), German-American motion picture pioneer who founded the Lubin Manufacturing Company<ref>Lubin's Timeline, Betzwood Film Archive at Montgomery County Community College. Accessed September 14, 2017. "1923 :: Lubin dies at home in Ventnor, New Jersey, age 82."</ref>
• Sol Metzger (1880–1932), football player and coach<ref>via Associated Press. "Sol Metzger, Sports Critic, Seriously Ill", Milwaukee Sentinel, January 15, 1932. Accessed September 9, 2012. "Sol Metzger, veteran sports writer and former football coach, is in a serious condition Wednesday night at his home in Ventnor, a suburb."</ref>
• Charles Henry Parkhurst (1842–1933), clergyman and social reformer who died after sleepwalking off the porch of his Ventnor home<ref>Staff. "Dr. Parkhurst Dies Of A Fall In Sleep; Reformer, 91, a Somnambulist, Plunges From Porch Roof of New Jersey Home. Famed As A Crusader; In 1894 He Overthrew the Tammany Machine and Drove Croker to Europe.", The New York Times, September 9, 1933. Accessed September 9, 2012. "The Rev. Dr. Charles H. Parkhurst, militant New York crusader of the Nineties and for a generation one of the moral leaders of the city, was injured fatally today when he plunged from a porch roof while walking in his sleep.... He was found unconscious on the sidewalk beside his home, 108 Surrey Avenue, Ventnor, shortly after 3:30 A. M."</ref>
• Greg Roman (born 1972), National Football League assistant coach<ref>Staff. "Agent says Ventnor native Greg Roman a finalist for Penn State job", The Press of Atlantic City, January 3, 2012. Accessed September 10, 2012. "San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, a Ventnor native and Holy Spirit High School graduate, is a finalist for the Penn State football head-coaching job, his agent said Monday."</ref>
• John Roman (born 1952), former professional American football offensive lineman who played seven seasons in the NFL for the New York Jets<ref>John Roma, Pro Football Reference. Accessed March 10, 2025. "Born: August 31, 1952 in Ventnor City, NJ (Age: 72-191d)... High School: Holy Spirit (NJ)"</ref><ref>John Roman, National Football League. Accessed September 9, 2012.</ref>
• Cathy Rush (born 1947), former women's basketball program head coach at Immaculata University who led the team to three consecutive AIAW national titles from 1972–1974<ref>Lulgjuraj, Susan. "'The Mighty Macs,' based on Oakcrest High grad Cathy Rush, set for release today", The Press of Atlantic City, October 21, 2011. Accessed October 28, 2011. "Cathy Rush invited friends to her home in Ventnor a couple of years ago to watch an advance copy of the movie The Mighty Macs....Rush, a native of West Atlantic City in Egg Harbor Township, saw the filming of this movie.... 'My stomach dropped,' said Rush, a 1964 Oakcrest High School graduate. 'It was the most disconcerting thing because it was real.'"</ref>
• Mike Segal (1922–1982), politician and businessman who led the initiative to legalize gambling in Atlantic City<ref>Schwartz, Samuel H. "Segal to Be President Of Council in Ventnor", Atlantic City Press, January 1, 1968. Accessed October 18, 2015. "Ventnor - Meyer I. (Mike) Segal - a First Ward Counciman since 1963 - will be elected as City Council president at today's Council reorganization meeting, The Press learned."</ref>
• Valerie Solanas (1936–1988), radical feminist author who shot and nearly killed Andy Warhol<ref>Buchanan, Paul D. Radical Feminists: A Guide to an American Subculture, p. 132. ABC-CLIO, 2011. Template:ISBN. Accessed December 4, 2011. "Solanas's childhood seemed to provide sufficient justification for her rage. Born on April 9, 1936, in Ventnor City, New Jersey, Valerie Jean Solanas was the daughter of Louis and Dorothy Bondo Solanas."</ref>
• Justin Williams (born 1981), professional ice hockey right winger with the Carolina Hurricanes who brought the Stanley Cup to Ventnor City Hall in 2012<ref>Steinberg, Dan. "Justin Williams loved playing for the Flyers; now he loves beating them", The Washington Post, April 18, 2016. Accessed September 14, 2017. "Williams, whose offseason home is in Ventnor, N.J., met his future wife while playing with the Flyers from 2000-2004, and so he married into a family of Flyers fans.... According to the Press of Atlantic City, after retrieving the Cup from the Atlantic City airport, Williams first played street hockey with his friends in Ventnor, then took the Cup onto a pontoon boat and brought it to Ventnor's City Hall."</ref>

External links

• Ventnor City Website
• Ventnor Educational Community Complex
• Template:NJReportCard
• School Data for the Ventnor City School District, National Center for Education Statistics
• The Downbeach Current