By Donald Wittkowski
The developers of a proposed hotel, bar and restaurant complex that will replace Sea Isle City’s landmark LaCosta Lounge are holding off for a while before presenting their plans to the zoning board.
Christopher Glancey and Bob Morris were originally scheduled to appear before the board Monday night to seek local zoning variances needed for their project, but they will instead return at a later date.
Glancey explained that they have decided to secure their state construction approvals first from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, including a Coastal Area Facility Review Act permit.
Once they have their state approvals in hand, then they will come before the zoning board. Glancey estimated that could be as soon as August or September.
“It’s no big deal,” he said of waiting a bit longer to appear before the zoning board.
The development project needs zoning approval for two key variances – one to slightly exceed the maximum building height of 40 feet and the other to include extra signage on the property.
Glancey and Morris bought the LaCosta Lounge in 2017 for $7.3 million. In its place, they plan to develop an upscale hotel, restaurant, bar and retail complex called “The Ludlam.” A pool and outdoor bar also are proposed.
According to plans, LaCosta Lounge will be demolished later this year to make room for construction of the new project at the corner of John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Landis Avenue. In the meantime, the LaCosta will continue to operate as normal through the summer tourism season.
Dating to the 1960s, LaCosta has established a reputation as one of the best-known bars at the Jersey Shore. The nightclub has hosted multiple generations of party-goers in the past 50 years.
Glancey and Morris, developers of other projects in Sea Isle that combine commercial space on the street level with condos on the top floors, are leading a movement to bring a new wave of higher-end attractions to the resort town.
