The agenda for Tuesday’s CRDA meeting had included a vote on preliminary project eligibility for the HealthPark, but the item was dropped from the agenda.

Mulcahy said there were too many details yet to work out between the CRDA and AtlantiCare — including how much of the $38 million cost would be shouldered by CRDA — but the issue will come up in a future meeting.

Councilman Kaleem Shabazz said he attended the meeting specifically to express support for the project. He said he also understood AtlantiCare would house resident doctors in the facility.

Though the overall infant mortality rate in New Jersey is lower than the national average, the disparity between white and black infant deaths is significant. Infant mortality for black babies, at 9.7 per 1,000 live births, is more than three times the rate among white babies, state data show.

In some areas of the state, like Atlantic City, that rate is even higher at about 20 black infant deaths per 1,000 live births during the most recent five-year period.

“Atlantic City residents are facing severe public health challenges,” according to the report authored by Special Council Jim Johnson. “The State, the County and key stakeholders must combine forces to understand the depth of the problems, identify solutions and implement programs that will address the issues.”