Atlantic City Unveiled Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver Plaza in Tribute and Transformation

On June 5, 2025, the City of Atlantic City, in partnership with the State of New Jersey, proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver Plaza. Located outside City Hall, this new space was named in honor of the late Lieutenant Governor, a trailblazer who left a lasting mark on New Jersey’s political and civic landscape.

Mayor Marty Small, Sr. led the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jaquelyn Suarez, members of Sheila Oliver’s family, and a gathering of City, County, and State officials. The event marked both a celebration of legacy and the completion of a major public space renovation.

This project not only paid tribute to Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver but also significantly improved the public’s experience at City Hall. The main entrance, closed since construction began in spring 2024, was reopened with a covered walkway and a new security gate, enhancing both convenience and safety.

Further security upgrades included improved lighting across the courtyard, with lanterns added to the exterior walls, and reconfigured main and employee entrance doors to streamline access and safety. Sheila Oliver’s name, now prominently etched above the entrance walkway, along with her image and signage throughout the plaza, added a powerful visual tribute.

The plaza also received extensive aesthetic improvements. Visitors can now enjoy built-in benches, a thoughtfully designed rain garden, an elegant marble fountain, and a pergola that brings charm and shade to the space. Lush new trees, shrubs, and grass were planted to soften the urban setting and create a welcoming environment.

The building itself received attention as well. Existing exterior walls were power washed and repainted, restoring their original brightness and contributing to the refreshed look and feel of the City Hall complex.

To make the plaza more walkable, pedestrian space was expanded across the courtyard. These wider walking paths made the area more accessible and navigable for visitors, staff, and residents passing through the site.

In addition to the courtyard renovations, the City Hall parking lot was repaved and redesigned. A new parking attendant booth was installed at the South Carolina Avenue entrance, further improving visitor management and traffic flow.

Lastly, in line with the city’s growing commitment to renewable energy, six Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations were scheduled to be installed later in the month—adding a forward-thinking, sustainable element to the site.

The opening of the Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver Plaza marked more than the completion of a construction project—it symbolized respect for a remarkable leader and a renewed vision for civic space in Atlantic City. The plaza now stands as a lasting reminder of her legacy and the city’s dedication to accessibility, safety, and sustainability.

‍

‍

Photo Credits to: Ed Lea / City of Atlantic City