SOMERS POINT — Improvements may be coming soon for a longtime eyesore in one of the city’s prominent business districts.
The Somers Point Historical Preservation Commission voted Oct. 8 to designate the site at 920 Shore Road a landmark property in the historic district.
“That’ll open up some doors for the owners to hopefully make those improvements really soon,” City Councilwoman Janice Johnson said during the City Council meeting the following night.
Footmarks Shoe Store operated out of the former home for more than 40 years. In 2021, 920 Shore Road LLC bought the property and went before the Planning Board with a proposal to convert the building into a general store-type market and café serving mostly prepared foods.
Shortly after construction work started, it stalled and the building has stood at the site in a state of advanced disrepair ever since.
At the time, Johnston said the project would be a shot in the arm for the area just north of the Route 52 causeway entrance to Ocean City and also tie in with the city’s historical tourism.
The Atlantic County Historical Society building is across the street and Somers Mansion just to the south.
The property is owned by Dermot and Kathleen Lloyd of Linwood, who also own Josie Kelly’s Public House nearby.
Located in the building on Shore Road that once housed Sandi Pointe Coastal Bistro and Mac’s Restaurant, the Irish-inspired bar and restaurant opened in 2018 and has been a popular addition to the establishments in the area.
Kathleen Lloyd did not respond to a request for comment.
– STORY and PHOTO by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff