The CocoRico Beach Bar in Atlantic City had plans of expansion to the area, which included a swimming pool. However, the pool is no longer part of the new project.
The popular bar located near the Atlantic City casinos has already faced opposition because it is located steps away from the Ocean Club Condominiums, which is a private and residential area.
The plans to expand the beach bar included an expanded outdoor area with more food vendors. The pool was part of those plans until Monday.
City Councilwoman Maria Lacca, has not only rejected the expansion project, but she is also opposed to the bar as is, calling it “extremely problematic.” Removing the pool from the project is a start, Lacca told the Press of Atlantic City:
“It is a step in the right direction to see that the beach bar application is being revised to remove the plans for a pool from the project.
“The pool idea has been very unpopular as the beach bar currently in its existing form has been a nuisance for residents over the last several years. I look forward to reviewing the revised application soon.”
The plan called for a pool with 12-by-40-feet dimensions.
Beach bar has always been an issue for residents
The CocoRico Beach Bar as currently constructed has been a nuisance for Ocean Club residents during the summer. Earlier this month, multiple residents spoke in front of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) to discuss the disturbance of peace the bar creates.
Penny Gelfand, an Ocean Club resident for 20 years, said:
“People yelling, the radio is blaring, the music from the beach bar is unbelievably loud with a bass pounding.”
Lacca had already spoken to 1,500 residents at the Ocean Club, of which many are against bar as is. Another resident, Iris Pincus, told the Press of Atlantic City that “the pool is not the only issue of concern.”
It’s up to the CRDA to allow the new expansion plan, or not. The bar is not getting a nod of approval from the public despite it removing the pool.
