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Governor Christie's Vision Yields Action for New Non-Gaming Enterprise in Atlantic City
Tuesday, February 26, 2013 • 12:26pm
At its monthly meeting, The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Board took action to approve measures that would create a new, non-gaming enterprise in the City’s Midtown District. The board took steps to approve three related actions to propel the Marketplace Project forward.
The Downtown Marketplace Project received unanimous project approval from the CRDA Board. The concept behind the project is to attract vendors to sell fresh foods, produce, seafood, meats and cheeses, similar to the Reading Terminal Market concept in Philadelphia. To accelerate the timeline of the project, the CRDA Board approved a $9.5 million donation from Showboat Atlantic City and also approved measures to reserve those funds toward the Downtown Marketplace Project.
“Today’s actions propel Governor Christie’s vision into reality,” said John Palmieri, executive director, CRDA. “CRDA Staff and the CRDA Board are working in tandem to execute key economic development projects, as outlined in the Tourism District Master Plan to improve the quality of life in Atlantic City and to create new non-gaming attractions to enhance the destination.”
The Tropicana Boardwalk Revitalization Project received board approval for a preliminary determination of project eligibility today. The Tropicana has proposed a $1.1 million boardwalk façade improvement as part of a larger $6 million development that will include a new dining amenity, signage, decorative lighting and a video display. Tropicana is proposing the addition of a Chickie & Pete’s restaurant which would be accessible from the Boardwalk and require renovations to the existing Boardwalk Treats retail area.
The meeting also gave project approval for an entertainment series for senior citizens in Atlantic City. The Senior Entertainment Series is a partnership with the Schultz-Hill Foundation and Atlantic County, providing free performances and free transportation within Atlantic City for seniors to attend. Board actions will take effect following the expiration of the governor’s statutory review period.
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents statewide, investing nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide. Under the 2011 Tourism District legislation, CRDA responsibilities have expanded to include Land Use Regulation, Clean and Safe initiatives and partnership with the Atlantic City Alliance to market and attract visitors to Atlantic City.
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