Who Will Get Jersey's New Casinos?

Now taking bets… who’s going to end up with Jersey’s new casinos?

As New Jersey lawmakers ponder potential legislation that could pave the way for the construction of three new casinos outside of Atlantic City, municipal officials and developers all over the state are already making their pitches.

Here are three of the frontrunners.

MEADOWLANDS (East Rutherford)

Hard Rock International and Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment have expressed their interest in building a casino at the Meadowlands, claiming that it could generate $400 million in tax revenues and create 10,000 jobs.

Representatives from the groups have stated that they can have a $1 billion facility open as soon as next summer.

Meadowlands Racetrack owner Jeff Gural is offering to pay a 55 percent tax rate – 47 percent points higher than Atlantic City – with $200 million a year in new tax revenue going to help Atlantic City recover, according to an Associated Press report.

JERSEY CITY

Reebok founder Paul Fireman has proposed building a $4.6 billion casino directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan, according to the Associated Press.

The project would feature residences, a 107,500-seat motor sports stadium and what is billed as the largest Ferris wheel in the world.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop told NJ.com that although he would need more information about the racetrack to be sure it wouldn’t harm Liberty State Park, he estimated that the development could create 25,000 jobs and over $5 billion of investment.

NEWARK

On Wednesday, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka threw their weight behind Newark as a potential location, citing the city’s strategic position as a transportation hub, burgeoning economic development and increasing role as a “Destination City.”

“Casinos are coming to North Jersey and if Newark doesn’t get it, another city will and they will net the benefits,” Baraka said during a press conference on Wednesday.

“The casino itself is just a portion of our overall economic development plan and this means permanent jobs for the citizens of our city. All combined, this development could bring more than 4,000 permanent jobs.”

According to a release:

• In recent years, Newark has seen the opening of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Prudential Center, two major hotels in its downtown, the renovation of Military Park and the construction of a new skyscraper for Prudential. In addition, construction has begun on a downtown luxury apartment building spearheaded by Newark native and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and renovation is underway of the historical Hahne’s building for a Whole Foods Supermarket and mixed-income housing.
• The city is a transportation hub in the region. Newark Liberty International Airport welcomed 35.6 million passengers in 2014, and its 22 airline carriers travel to 160 destinations. The PATH’s Penn Station stop in Newark saw over 8 million riders in 2014. The city also is accessible by multiple highways – Interstate 78, State Highways 1, 9, 21 and 22 – and numerous NJ Transit bus routes.
• Existing Newark entertainment venues include the Prudential Center, NJPAC and Newark Symphony Hall.

File photo via Flickr

Think your city or town would be a good spot for a casino? Make your own pitches to the Patch community in the comments section below!