New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie unveiled a plan that calls for the state to operate Atlantic City’s casino and entertainment districts. As part of the massive plan aimed at reinvigorating investment in the city, the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority (CVA) would likely be part of a bigger organization.
“This newly-defined Atlantic City Tourism District the governor is proposing will be a more well-funded organization,” said Gary Musich, vice president of convention development for the CVA. “Will we continue as a CVA? We likely will, but the plan calls for the authority becoming part of a public-private partnership that brings together marketing and investment. It’s a huge plan, and the details obviously have not been worked out.”
The governor’s announcement is based on a report by a seven-member commission appointed in February to figure out ways to fix the state’s faltering casino and horse racing industries, Trenton’s Star-Ledger reported. The commission recommended that more energy be directed toward the city’s convention business and family-friendly entertainment offerings.
“This is positive news for Atlantic City,” Musich added. “There are a lot of ideas out there, everything from developing a NASCAR track to adding more attractions on the boardwalk.”
Under the sweeping proposals, the Meadowland Racetrack would be sold off or turned into an off-track wagering facility without live horse racing. Additionally, the New Jersey Sport and Exposition Authority would become a landlord for the facilities it currently operates. Under the plan, the state would help refinance the stalled Xanadu project in the Meadowlands. The commission recommended that if the Xanadu project is not put back on track by the end of this year, the state should proceed with foreclosure.
Much of the plan requires approval of the state Legislature, and that process is expected to be lengthy.
Musich said he looks forward to working with the governor and his team to define and develop the CVA's role in the partnership to reinvigorate Atlantic City. Currently, the CVA is fully operational and continues to both provide services to its existing meetings base and focus on new convention customers.
The American Wind Energy Association selected the Atlantic City Convention Center for its fall 2010 trade show and convention. And recently, the Pet Industry Trade Show announced Atlantic City as the site for its 2011 and 2012 national trade show and conference.
