Gov. Christie to Host Summit on Atlantic City's Future Sept. 8

Gov. Chris Christie is assembling a group of local and state officials to meet and discuss the future of Atlantic City, the Governor’s Office announced on Wednesday.

The summit is scheduled for Sept. 8.

Invitees will include, but are not limited to, the following leaders and stakeholder groups:

· Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney;

· General Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto;

· Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr.;

· General Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick;

· Christie Administration Cabinet Officials;

· District 2 Legislators Representing Atlantic City: Senator Jim Whelan and Assemblyman Chris Brown and Vincent Mazzeo;

· Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson;

· Mayor of Atlantic City Don Guardian;

· Casino Industry Officials;

· Organized Labor Officials;

· Nonprofit organizations dedicated to the City’s revitalization, including the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and Atlantic City Alliance; and

· Other individuals with experience and expertise of New Jersey’s gaming, sports, and entertainment issues.

“There is no doubt that Atlantic City faces real challenges as the city undergoes revitalization, which is why this summit of key policymakers, local leaders and stakeholders is needed to be an active part of the conversation as to how we can best address these issues that have a broader impact on the broader region and our state as a whole,” Christie said.

Following the summit, Chairman Jon Hanson and the other members of the New Jersey Gaming, Sports and Entertainment Advisory Commission will spearhead additional efforts.

This includes making recommendations and plotting out how to best implement any consensus ideas, concepts, or reforms that come from the summit.

The announcement of the summit comes one day after the announcement that the Revel will close on Sept. 10 if no buyer emerges.

The announcement is another indication of the escalating casino crisis in Atlantic City.

In January, the Atlantic Club closed, and Trump Plaza is scheduled to close in September.

Showboat is set to close its doors Aug. 31.

Earlier this month, Atlantic City Council approved a 29 percent tax increase. Council members said the increase had to be approved in order to receive $20 million in state transitional aid and grants needed to avoid a higher increase.

“We know that the transformation taking hold in Atlantic City is about more than just gaming and gaming-related attractions,” Christie said. “Important signs are evident of the progress taking hold in the non-gaming development and economic activity we are seeing in AC, including businesses opening, attractions being added, and key non-gaming revenue streams rising. All of these factors will be weighed as we consider the best course of progress for Atlantic City moving forward, and I thank these state and local leaders alike for joining me in coming together for this work.”