Atlantic City is honoring the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver with a memorial plaza. The groundbreaking ceremony took place this week at City Hall, where the courtyard plaza will bear her name.
Oliver, who passed away last summer at age 71, was a trailblazer in New Jersey politics. She was the first Black woman to become Assembly speaker and the first to win statewide office as Lieutenant Governor. Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small praised Oliver's instrumental role in shaping the city's current state.
The new "Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver Plaza" will feature several enhancements including improved lighting, a covered walkway leading to City Hall's main entrance, and redesigned parking lots. Additionally, it'll host aesthetic improvements such as fixed benches throughout the courtyard, a rain garden, a marble fountain and newly planted trees and shrubs.
Oliver had expressed her love for Atlantic City frequently and even planned to retire there. Terri Tucker, Oliver's former chief of staff said that Oliver often spoke about finding property in Atlantic City for her retirement. "You wouldn't have known that Sheila wasn't from Atlantic City because she loved it so much," Tucker said.
Mayor Small described Oliver as a champion for Atlantic City who fought tirelessly for its people and progress during her time in office.
Construction on the project is set to begin next month with completion expected within six months.