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State of Play
- Atlantic City lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at restoring the city’s authority to independently manage planning and zoning, marking a crucial step toward ending state oversight.
- This effort impacts local bettors and residents by reinforcing municipal autonomy over key development decisions within the city’s Tourism District.
- The change reflects broader moves to empower Atlantic City’s governance as redevelopment efforts continue to revitalize the area.
New Jersey state Sen. Vince Polistina and Assemblyman Don Guardian, both representing Atlantic County, have announced proposed legislation to return full planning and zoning control to Atlantic City.
Since 2011, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and city officials have jointly overseen new development in the Tourism District, while Atlantic City has been under state oversight since 2016 through the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act. The bill intends to end dual approvals by allowing the city to once again govern these municipal functions independently.
Polistina emphasized that the state takeover was originally meant to support financial recovery and build local governance capacity, making it essential to restore core municipal powers. Guardian, a former Atlantic City mayor, stressed the importance of local evaluation of development projects by city residents now participating on governing boards, reflecting increased community involvement.
The state has several land-based casinos and also a robust New Jersey online casino market.
Downstate NY casinos could take money away from Atlantic City
This legislative move could accelerate development projects, fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and further investments in the city’s entertainment and gaming sectors. By permitting the CRDA to focus on reinvestment and large-scale redevelopment, the city can streamline planning processes and offer clearer, localized decision-making for builders and businesses.
This shift is expected to aid faster project evaluations and approvals, potentially boosting employment and tourism. Players may see enhanced amenities and infrastructure as local authorities take charge, reaffirming Atlantic City’s commitment to revitalization within a more autonomous governance framework.
This push comes on the heels of New York approving three downstate casinos, which when opened, could have a major impact on casinos in Atlantic City.
Based on reporting by the New Jersey Senate.
