The Division of Authorities Effectivity (DOGE) lower a federal grant for a deliberate restoration challenge for New Jersey’s iconic Lucy the Elephant, in keeping with the historic landmark’s govt director.
In-built 1882, “Lucy” is a six-story elephant-shaped constructing situated on 9200 Atlantic Avenue in Margate Metropolis, New Jersey. Initially created to advertise actual property gross sales and appeal to vacationers to the realm, it’s at the moment the oldest surviving roadside vacationer attraction in America, homes a museum and was voted the nation’s primary roadside attraction in a USA Right this moment on-line ballot.
In August of final yr, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker introduced a $500,000 federal grant that may go towards a deliberate $750,000 restoration challenge centered on repairing Lucy’s inside, upgrading its air con system and enhancing its hearth suppression and burglar alarm methods.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, Lucy’s Government Director Wealthy Helfant introduced that the grant was rescinded by DOGE, nevertheless.
“All of us at Lucy – as well as Senator Booker – are stunned by the sudden breach of contract, which would’ve funded most of the cost of our long-planned and much-needed interior restoration, including the installation of a new, state-of-the-art fire suppression system inside Lucy,” Helfant wrote.
Helfant wrote that they remained dedicated to transferring ahead with Lucy’s repairs and upkeep.
“Our beloved Lucy has always endured – and will continue to do so – due to your generosity and unwavering support. You are her rock, and together we will prevail through this,” Helfant wrote. “After all, Lucy is an elephant…and will never forget you.”
NBC10 reached out to a DOGE consultant for a response to Helfant’s assertion. We’ll share their response as quickly as we obtain one.
