The newly completed Atlantic City Hall courtyard is at the center of growing public outrage, with residents calling it a massive waste of $5 million in taxpayer money.
The city revealed the revamped courtyard earlier this month, describing it as a symbol of revitalization and community space. But many locals aren’t buying it.
Instead of celebration, the new courtyard has brought confusion and anger. Atlantic City residents are struggling to understand why the city spent so much on what they see as a project with no real benefit.
The concrete-heavy area, complete with planters, benches, and brick pavers, sits right in front of City Hall, but many people feel it doesn’t add any practical value.
Critics say the money could have been better used on things like public safety, education, street repairs, or local businesses still recovering post-COVID. Some residents have called it a vanity project — a way for city officials to show off rather than solve real problems facing Atlantic City.
Even more frustrating for some is the fact that there was barely any public discussion before the project began. People are asking, “Who approved this?” and “Was there any community input?”
Many say they first heard about the project only when the fencing and construction began. For them, the whole thing feels like a decision made behind closed doors.
A few residents have voiced support, saying the courtyard could bring people together or be used for events. But those voices are few and far between. On local radio shows and community forums, most comments have been critical.
One listener on 97.3 ESPN called in to say, “I’ve lived here for 20 years and never once thought, ‘Hey, you know what we need? A $5 million courtyard.’ This is ridiculous.”
Adding to the anger is the fact that Atlantic City continues to face major issues like crime, poverty, and declining tourism.
Many residents feel that the city’s priorities are completely out of touch. They say it doesn’t make sense to spend millions on aesthetics when essential services still lack funding.
City officials have defended the project by saying it was funded through a mix of local and state resources, and that it fits into a broader downtown improvement plan.
They argue that making the city look better can help attract business and tourism in the long run. But for people struggling with rent, job insecurity, and poor public services, that argument doesn’t hold much weight.
Photos of the courtyard have been widely shared on social media — and not in a good way. Many users are posting sarcastic comments about how underwhelming the design is compared to the cost. Others are comparing it to courtyards in other cities that were built for far less and look far better.
The backlash has also become a talking point ahead of local elections. Some candidates are using the courtyard as an example of poor decision-making and promising better transparency and public input if elected.
Whether the courtyard will eventually be accepted as part of the city’s landscape or remain a symbol of wasteful spending is yet to be seen.
But for now, one thing is clear: the $5 million price tag has hit a nerve. People want to know how their money is being spent, and they want leaders who listen before making big decisions.
In a city with real struggles and real needs, many Atlantic City residents feel this courtyard isn’t just concrete and benches — it’s a sign that the people in charge may have lost touch with the community they serve.