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ATLANTIC CITY - The CRDA is taking action to improve the neighborhood surrounding the Absecon Lighthouse.

The CRDA has authorized a proposed agreement with Atlantic County to provide $4.2 million for the Lighthouse District Park Project.

Its really important because it helps us complete an acquisition of properties that will now connect the Absecon Lighthouse in the South Inlet to the few blocks away at the Revel Resort, thats now open, then directly to the boardwalk and the city owned facility, Altman field, said Deputy Executive Director of the CRDA Susan Ney Thompson.

First we are going to knock down eye sores, were going to preserve open space and were going to highlight one of the jewels of Absecon Island, the lighthouse, said Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson.

The funding will allow the CRDA to preserve open space between the lighthouse and Altman Park, remove abandoned buildings, and re-landscape the neighborhood leading to the boardwalk.

The key is really to give visitors a pleasant experience as they walk along the boardwalk, theyll be able to see down into the neighborhood and see a great park connection directly into the lighthouse, said Thompson.

Funding for the Lighthouse District Park Project will also go towards improvements to the street and bike path in the area and provide a green belt connection to the boardwalk.

That will help visitors get to the lighthouse, it will also help visitors at the lighthouse realize they can go and have a direct connection to our A.C. boardwalk, said Thompson.

The agreement still needs to be approved by the Atlantic County board of Chosen Freeholders.

If approved the CRDA hopes to begin the initial stages of the project by this summer.