Ventnor Commissioners Express Frustration Over Social Media Misinformation

Ventnor Commissioners Address Misinformation About Major Redevelopment Project

Ventnor City officials expressed frustration Thursday over what they described as widespread misinformation circulating on social media regarding the Ventnor Professional Campus redevelopment project, one of the largest development initiatives the coastal community has seen in years.

The project, which will transform a defunct former school property into a mixed-use development featuring 33 townhouses and commercial space, has become a flashpoint for debate among residents, particularly on Facebook where former Mayor Tim Kreischer has raised concerns about potential future changes to the plan.

“It’s unfortunate that a former city official, someone who should intimately understand the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law, is continuing to spread misinformation,” said Commissioner of Public Works Lance Landgraf during the meeting. “Spreading inaccuracies is a disservice to the public and undermines the hard work of our planning professionals.”

The redevelopment plan, which has been in development for more than three years, received unanimous approval from the Planning Board in November 2025. Developer David Waxman of DAJ Ventnor, LLC—a long-time part-time resident of the city—plans to build townhouses on the 2.3-acre site while preserving the front portion of the historic brick schoolhouse for commercial businesses, including restaurants.

Mayor Tim Kriebel emphasized that the project did not materialize overnight but was the result of years of public meetings and design iterations. “Dialog is healthy, but it should be based on facts,” he said, encouraging residents to attend public meetings to learn firsthand about developments in their community.

Officials directly addressed several concerns that have been circulating online. They noted that the approved site plan is “the law of the land” and cannot be changed without a new application or revision to the redevelopment plan, which would require numerous public hearings. Each townhouse will include three off-street parking spaces—more than typically found elsewhere in the city—and short-term rentals will be prohibited by deed restrictions.

The project is expected to provide significant economic benefits to Ventnor by converting a vacant, privately-owned property into a productive asset that generates predictable tax revenue. Officials described it as a potential anchor for the south end of the city.

During public comments, Planning Board member Mike Wiesen commended city officials for their work to improve Ventnor while suggesting that former Mayor Kreischer’s concerns might stem from misunderstandings rather than deliberate misinformation. “Our former mayor, Tim Kreischer is a good man who dedicated himself to the city for a long time. The misinformation in his mind, he may think is true. A good sit-down may clarify all that,” Wiesen said.

Mayor Kriebel confirmed he has reached out to arrange a meeting with Kreischer next week to address the concerns directly.

The commissioners’ frustration extended beyond the redevelopment project to misinformation about the city’s response to a recent ice storm and plans for rebuilding the boardwalk. Commissioner Maria Mento described online critics as the “vocal minority” and “keyboard warriors” who “just make stuff up.”

City Administrator Tom Ciccarone reported that administrative staff had received numerous disrespectful and “abusive” calls from residents angry about the storm response, with some using foul language and insulting Department of Public Works employees.

Commissioner Landgraf provided details about the city’s extensive efforts during the unusual three-week period of sub-freezing temperatures, including the use of 84 tons of salt on main thoroughfares, 1,500 gallons of pre-storm brine, and 6,000 pounds of ice melt on city property sidewalks. DPW workers logged 515 overtime hours plowing streets, while the Fire Department assisted 67 residents with medical issues.

Officials also addressed concerns about changes to the boardwalk reconstruction project, explaining that eliminating a herringbone decking pattern saved approximately $1 million—enough to replace a full city block of boardwalk.

As the city begins its Master Plan Re-examination process, which will guide development over the next decade, officials emphasized the importance of public participation and factual discussions about Ventnor’s future.

“The Master Plan is another great example of how people can get involved early in the process,” Landgraf said, while Mayor Kriebel reaffirmed the city’s commitment to ensuring that all initiatives provide “a net win” for the community.