Atlantic City is preparing for the grand opening of a newly renovated courtyard, which will honor the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. The official unveiling of the Sheila Oliver Plaza will take place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the City Hall Courtyard, located at 1301 Bacharach Boulevard.
This event is set to become a cornerstone of the city’s recognition of one of its most devoted public servants. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed, offering a chance for the wider community to participate in this special moment.
The Sheila Oliver Plaza, which has undergone a complete transformation, will stand as a lasting tribute to Oliver’s legacy. The redesign of the courtyard was funded with a $5 million investment from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars, supplemented by additional support from the county. The plaza’s renovation is a significant upgrade, not only aesthetically but in its functionality and safety.
A State-of-the-Art Transformation
What was once a modest courtyard is now a sophisticated public space designed to welcome visitors, honor the past, and look toward the future. Among the notable improvements are enhanced lighting, decorative lanterns, and a newly designed gated entrance that leads directly to City Hall. A covered walkway ensures that the plaza can be accessed easily, even on rainy days, making it a truly all-weather public space.
One of the most striking elements of the renovation is the addition of environmental features, including a rain garden that will help manage stormwater, and a variety of new trees, shrubs, and grassed areas. These changes aim to make the plaza more sustainable while offering a green, serene space for the public to gather, reflect, and connect.
This transformation is not just a beautification project, but a comprehensive reimagining of a public space to meet the needs of the community in the 21st century.
Remembering Sheila Oliver
The plaza’s dedication holds deep personal significance for the people of Atlantic City and the state of New Jersey. Sheila Y. Oliver, who passed away in August 2023, was more than just a political figure. She was a passionate advocate for the people of New Jersey, especially for marginalized communities, and her deep roots in Atlantic City reflect her love and commitment to the area. She was the state’s first Black lieutenant governor and served as the commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Her legacy includes a career marked by a focus on issues such as affordable housing, economic development, and community outreach. Oliver was an integral part of the state’s efforts to support Atlantic City’s recovery, and her dedication to the community was reflected in both her work and her personal life.
She often spoke about retiring in Atlantic City, and now, through the creation of this plaza, her memory will live on forever in the very city she loved.
The City’s Tribute to a Hero
Mayor Marty Small, Sr. expressed the importance of this tribute, saying, “She always talked about retiring in Atlantic City, and now she will be forever retired in this great city.” The mayor’s words encapsulate the spirit of the plaza — a place where Oliver’s contributions and dedication will be celebrated for generations to come.
The Sheila Oliver Plaza is not just a space for reflection, but a symbol of community resilience and growth. In a statement, Small emphasized the significance of the plaza as a place where people can gather, enjoy, and be reminded of Oliver’s work to make Atlantic City a better place.
The ceremony on June 5 will feature speeches from local leaders, including Mayor Small and others who worked closely with Oliver. The event will also include a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the plaza. The public is encouraged to attend and honor the late lieutenant governor’s memory.
A Lasting Legacy
As Atlantic City continues to grow and evolve, the Sheila Oliver Plaza will serve as a central point for both local residents and visitors. It is a place that will reflect the values of service, dedication, and community that Oliver championed throughout her career.
The plaza’s design is reflective of the many aspects of Oliver’s life and work. It is a fitting tribute to a woman who helped shape the future of Atlantic City and the state of New Jersey. With its improved public spaces, the plaza will become a hub of activity, fostering a sense of pride and connection among the community.
