Following the approval by the Atlantic City Council Wednesday, of City Administrator Doug Harris’ resignation and severance package, and the subsequent voted to appoint John Lund as Interim City Administrator, Lund spoke about the man who hired him a little more than three-years ago, and the suggestion by Mayor Dave Jones that he be “trained” for the position. Lund said with regard to taking over Harris’ job, “I don’t think I’m entitled to anything.”

He “With all due respect to the Mayor, I don’t believe I need any training. I’ve been in training for three and a half years under a man sitting right across from me.” He said he intends to honor Harris’ legacy, and is inspired by his “Class and integrity.” Lund said hopes moving forward, that he has “An opportunity to prove I’m worthy of serving this community, and that the City deserves “Nothing less than absolute transparency.”

In his final report to the Council, Doug Harris reported a development company out of Cedar Rapids that is interested in investing in Atlantic’s downtown area, such as the old Whitney Hotel.  Harris said the company plans to bring in their architects to look at a potentially $7-million dollar project to renovate the upper floor of the building into apartments, with a restaurant and sports bar on the first floor. Additional details are being kept “under wraps” for now.

Harris said “There is a real potential to see real revitalization in investments in our downtown,” but he said potential investors have concerns over the owners of other buildings not improving the façade of those structures. He said that’s where the City’s Minimum Maintenance Code and Tax Abatements come into play, by providing business owners the incentives and a chance to improve the look of their buildings and/or turning the second floors into apartments.

He said he recommends the Council focus on the opportunities to preserve and revitalize the downtown area, as opposed to “Incentivizing businesses to build-up on the outskirts.” Harris said Atlantic is a great community, and that he and his wife plan on sticking around.