Governor Christie sat down with CBS-3 Philadelphia's Natasha Brown in Ocean City, NJ to talk about his tour around New Jersey's Shore.
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Showing posts with label Atlantic City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atlantic City. Show all posts
Video: Christie Talks Jersey Shore In Ocean City
Governor Christie sat down with CBS-3 Philadelphia's Natasha Brown in Ocean City, NJ to talk about his tour around New Jersey's Shore.
Click here for more.
Video: Chris Christie At The REAL Jersey Shore
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and the Jersey Shore -- the REAL Jersey Shore -- are perfect together. Christie is a genuine, born and raised Jersey guy.
He loves his state and the people who make it one of the most distinctive and appealing places in America. And the people of New Jersey releate to their Governor because they know that he's one of them. He understands them. He gets it.
Yes, New Jerseyans know what the REAL Jersey Shore is like. Our shore is part of what makes New Jersey a special place and we have to do what it takes to protect it. Governor Christie is committed to that as well.
Time To Drop Those Atlantic City Parking Fees
It's no secret that Atlantic City's casinos are facing renewed competition and a real crunch.
Nearby, casinos have sprouted in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Connecticut.
Now, New Jersey has to pull out all the stops to keep Atlantic City viable as a gambling and tourist Mecca. We're talking more than those day-tripping bus excursions here.
To his credit, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has taken a very activeninterest in the plight of Atlantic City and has been successful in creating new initiatives to revive what was once considered "America's playground."
But here's quick thought -- a suggestion, really. If we.re really serious about making Atlantic City attractive to visitors, isn't it time to eliminate the dreaded paking fees at Atlantic City casinos?
Right now there is a minimum state-imposed $3.00 parking charge for self-parking at casinos. This charge was initiated at $2.00 but has since been raised (as they almost always are).
As I understand it the money goes to the casino reinvestment fund and it somehow benefits Atlantiv City. And that's fine. But what might really benefit Atlantic City is lots more casino traffic. LOTS more.
And don't forget this: On evenings and weekends the casinos themselves jack up the parking charge to as much as $20.
So, what started as free parking can now cost you as much as twenty bucks.
Atlantic City is the only casino venue in the nation that charges for parking. The only one. Even if you chose to patronage a casino near center city Philadelphia (an area notorious for it's onerous parking charges) you won't have to pay to park.
If Atlantic City is really, really serious anoint ginning things up it's time to drop the parking fees. Or, at the very least maybe they. Could lower or drop the fees during certain hours.
In any event, something MUST be done.
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Nearby, casinos have sprouted in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Connecticut.
Now, New Jersey has to pull out all the stops to keep Atlantic City viable as a gambling and tourist Mecca. We're talking more than those day-tripping bus excursions here.
To his credit, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has taken a very activeninterest in the plight of Atlantic City and has been successful in creating new initiatives to revive what was once considered "America's playground."
But here's quick thought -- a suggestion, really. If we.re really serious about making Atlantic City attractive to visitors, isn't it time to eliminate the dreaded paking fees at Atlantic City casinos?
Right now there is a minimum state-imposed $3.00 parking charge for self-parking at casinos. This charge was initiated at $2.00 but has since been raised (as they almost always are).
As I understand it the money goes to the casino reinvestment fund and it somehow benefits Atlantiv City. And that's fine. But what might really benefit Atlantic City is lots more casino traffic. LOTS more.
And don't forget this: On evenings and weekends the casinos themselves jack up the parking charge to as much as $20.
So, what started as free parking can now cost you as much as twenty bucks.
Atlantic City is the only casino venue in the nation that charges for parking. The only one. Even if you chose to patronage a casino near center city Philadelphia (an area notorious for it's onerous parking charges) you won't have to pay to park.
If Atlantic City is really, really serious anoint ginning things up it's time to drop the parking fees. Or, at the very least maybe they. Could lower or drop the fees during certain hours.
In any event, something MUST be done.
Instead Of The Jersey Shore: My Special Island
When Philadelphians go to the beach they say they're going "downashore." Goin downashore this summer?
Don't look for me there.
It's been years since I've been to the Jersey shore for any length of time.
Why? Because the whole experience is dreadfully overrated.
Yes, I know the Jersey shore is convenient. But after that, there's not much you can say on its behalf.
I do go downashore for day trips. And sometimes I may even stay overnight.
But I find that Jersey shore towns are more crowded and congested than ever. In Ocean City you’ll find block after block of dreary duplexes all looking exactly the same. They are so close together that if your neighbor sneezes you’re likely to catch a cold.
At least Atlantic City has its casinos and of these the best of the bunch is the beautiful Borgata (pictured).
But in Wildwood teens still run wild, beer bellies still abound and the messages that adorn cheap t-shirts are more offensive than ever.
Except for AC and Margate, to me, it's simply not a turn on.
Yes, I know about Avalon and Stone Harbor. But they've always seemed a bit stuffy and somewhat inbred.
I will admit that Cape May is charming and does have the added allure of history. But I don't want to have to stay in a bead and breakfast.
And did I mention how much I hate having to buy a beach tag to access the beaches. Except for The Wildwoods and Atlantic City, as far as I know there is a fee to use the beach. B-a-l-o-n-e-y!
When it comes time for my summer vacation I hop in my car and drive to a tropical island where Palmetto trees, magnolias, exotic birds and crepe myrtle are plentiful and you may even see an alligator or two. On this island you don’t need beach tags to enjoy the smooth, inviting beach and the sea is calm with an ocean temperature that’s more like bathwater.
You can walk, jog, roller blade or bicycle for miles under lush tropical foliage along well-maintained paths. Dolphins dance in the waters where fishing, boating, crabbing and shrimping beckon. And when you are not golfing on world-famous courses you can play tennis on championship-style clay courts. Shopping and dining choices are endless and the friendly natives speak in a slow drawl that invites you to linger. At night as you walk along the beach you can enjoy a sky that is literally bedazzled with stars.
Thank goodness for Hilton Head!
Kyrillos: Sick Leave Payouts Should Make Taxpayers Sick
Following reports that Atlantic City used the proceeds gained from large scale police and fire layoffs to finance payouts of unused leave to city employees upon retirement, Senator Joe Kyrillos (R- Monmouth/Middlesex) again renewed his call for the Senate to pass comprehensive caps on unused sick leave for public employees.
"Sick leave should be used as time off when one is sick, not hoarded and cashed out as a parting gift upon retirement, " said Kyrillos. "
There is simply no reason any municipality should be forced to lay off public safety workers to pay for the unused sick time of those lucky enough to keep their jobs. The amounts paid to certain employees are also startling: sixteen workers receiving in excess of $100, 000 and in some cases, $200, 000. Any employee who believes that sick leave payments this large are reasonable should seriously re-examine his or her choice to enter public service."
A report by the Press of Atlantic City shows city officials used $2.2 million gained from layoffs of 60 police officers and 30 firefighters last year to help offset $7.1 million in terminal leave payments to veteran police and fire employees upon retirement. Last week, Senator Kyrillos' motion to take up legislation that would end this practice was defeated along party lines.
"I hope that my Democrat colleagues reconsider their opposition to a comprehensive ban on sick leave payouts in light of this gross abuse of taxpayer dollars, " Kyrillos continued. "This should never be allowed to happen again, either for current or future employees. Every day that passes without enacting this important reform risks higher property taxes and compromised public safety in New Jersey."
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"Sick leave should be used as time off when one is sick, not hoarded and cashed out as a parting gift upon retirement, " said Kyrillos. "
There is simply no reason any municipality should be forced to lay off public safety workers to pay for the unused sick time of those lucky enough to keep their jobs. The amounts paid to certain employees are also startling: sixteen workers receiving in excess of $100, 000 and in some cases, $200, 000. Any employee who believes that sick leave payments this large are reasonable should seriously re-examine his or her choice to enter public service."
A report by the Press of Atlantic City shows city officials used $2.2 million gained from layoffs of 60 police officers and 30 firefighters last year to help offset $7.1 million in terminal leave payments to veteran police and fire employees upon retirement. Last week, Senator Kyrillos' motion to take up legislation that would end this practice was defeated along party lines.
"I hope that my Democrat colleagues reconsider their opposition to a comprehensive ban on sick leave payouts in light of this gross abuse of taxpayer dollars, " Kyrillos continued. "This should never be allowed to happen again, either for current or future employees. Every day that passes without enacting this important reform risks higher property taxes and compromised public safety in New Jersey."
Christie Vetoes Internet Gambling Bill
Citing both the inconsistency with his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the gaming and tourism industries in Atlantic City and legal concerns with the legislation, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie yesterday issued an absolute veto of S-490, a bill designed to permit internet wagering.
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“Casino gaming is a vital component of the State’s economy and one of our most important industries, generating billions in revenues and providing tens of thousands of jobs. Since the earliest days of my Administration, I have stressed the urgent need to address the critical issues surrounding the casino industry in order to reinvigorate this sector of our economy and ensure its long-term sustainability,” said Governor Christie. “In partnership with the Legislature, we have achieved meaningful reforms that provide the impetus for new investment and increased tourism that will lead Atlantic City to recapturing its status as the premier resort destination in our region of the nation.”
In his veto message, Governor Christie recognized as laudable the intent of the bill to make New Jersey a more competitive gaming jurisdiction, but also cited numerous concerns with the legislation as it relates to the administration’s stated policy objectives and the New Jersey State Constitution, including potential allowance of gambling outside of Atlantic City’s borders and the continuation of a public subsidy for horseracing, respectively.
“I wholeheartedly support the intentions of the Legislature to make New Jersey a more competitive gaming jurisdiction. However, I do not believe that Internet gambling as contemplated in S-490 is a viable option for continuing the progress that we have made so far in reversing the fortunes of the casino industry in New Jersey.”
Christie Signs Landmark Atlantic City Measure
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed into law sweeping legislation to enact his reform plans to revitalize the ailing gaming and tourism industries in Atlantic City, and set the region on a new course for economic growth, job creation and prosperity. Recognizing the significance and importance of Atlantic City's regional economy to the state as a whole, Governor Christie put forward a comprehensive, bold reform plan in July aimed at turning around the deep and unprecedented challenges facing Atlantic City's gaming and tourism industries.
Video footage from a press conference held in Atlantic City on February 1, 2011.
Christie Sets Atlantic City On Bright, New Course
The bills signed by Governor Christie today, S-11 and S-12, represent critical steps in following through on his commitment to the tens of thousands of New Jersey families whose livelihoods depend on the regional economy, and will set the stage for Atlantic City to once again be a world-class destination resort and an engine of job creation and economic growth. S-11 authorizes the creation of a tourism district within Atlantic City, with the charge of improving public safety, public health, marketing and infrastructure projects and improvements; S-12 provides for the reform and modernization of New Jersey's casino regulatory structure.
“The challenges faced today by the Atlantic City tourism and gaming industries have been a long time in the making, and significant steps are needed to stop the decline and set a new course of economic growth, job creation and return Atlantic City to the ranks of the best destinations in the world. But, it can and must be done for the economic health of New Jersey as a whole,” said Governor Christie. “Since we announced our plan for reform just over six months ago, we have already taken steps to secure that future – to stabilize the City’s finances and create jobs through new business investment. Today, we are going much further to signal to businesses, to the public and to the people who call Atlantic City home that a new, brighter and more prosperous future is coming again.”
The signing took place at the site of the Revel casino resort, a 53-story, 6.3 million square foot, 3,800 room hotel and casino that, upon completion, will be the biggest such property in Atlantic City. Governor Christie also announced the approval of $260 million in tax-increment financing by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority that will support much needed infrastructure improvements in the South Inlet neighborhood adjacent to the Revel development and pave the way for completion of the $2.5 billion project and thousands of new jobs. The project estimates the creation of 5,500 permanent jobs, 2,600 construction jobs, 1,100 manufacturing jobs, 400 vendor/supplies jobs and 250 professional/consulting jobs. Along with job creation associated with ancillary utility and infrastructure improvement projects, total job creation for the Revel project is estimated at more than 10,000 jobs.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority also today approved a new policy requiring as a condition of any tax increment financing package of $50 million or more, including the Revel financing approved today, that the state receive success reimbursement payments from the project commensurate with the extent of state financial participation.
S-11 implements several critical elements of Governor Christie’s revitalization plan for Atlantic City. The bill authorizes the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) to establish a tourism district within Atlantic City. Within the territorial limits of the tourism district, CRDA will be authorized to establish land use regulations, implement a tourism district master plan, promote public health and safety initiatives, advance commercial development, undertake redevelopment projects and institute infrastructure improvements. The bill also provides for the merger of the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority into CRDA. CRDA will also enter into a public-private partnership with a not-for-profit consisting of a majority of New Jersey casino licensees, through which they will commit funds totaling $30 million annually for the development and implementation of a marketing program aimed at promoting Atlantic City. In October, the Casino Association of New Jersey announced the formation of such a non-profit and the commitment of the casino industry to contribute at least $30 million annually to promote Atlantic City and support the tourism district.
S-11 directs the Attorney General and Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Mayor of Atlantic City and municipal law enforcement officials, to develop a public safety plan for Atlantic City to be implemented by a District Commander appointed by the Superintendent. The plan will include the development of law enforcement best practices, the procurement and deployment of new technology and equipment, and the development and implementation of a coordinated law enforcement strategy to address public safety concerns both inside and outside of the tourism district.
S-12 reforms the state’s regulatory structure for casinos by modernizing, streamlining, and eliminating duplication in the regulatory statutes, many of which were authored more than 30 years ago. Under the bill, the Casino Control Commission (CCC) is assigned the lead role in initial casino licensing matters as well as in adjudicating regulatory disputes. The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) is charged with focusing on the day-to-day regulation of all casino operations. These changes move away from the duplicative and overlapping investigative, oversight, and regulatory functions previously held by the two-bodies and creates a more well-defined system of regulatory authority by the entities.
In addition, S-12 accounts for the significant technological advancements that have taken place since the inception of the regulatory statue by eliminating the current requirement that the Casino Control Commission be continuously present, through inspectors and agents, at all times during the operation of a casino. The bill provides for registration as opposed to licensure of certain casino-related employees and removes certain periodic license renewal requirements. The bill would, however, add a requirement for designated information to be provided periodically by licensees to the CCC and DGE in order to verify ongoing compliance with all legal requirements.
Finally, the bill makes various other changes to state law to remove impediments to efficient and productive casino operations and provide additional flexibility in their operation.
On July 21st, Governor Christie welcomed and endorsed the recommendations of the New Jersey Gaming, Sports and Entertainment Advisory Commission chaired by Jon F. Hanson. The actions taken today fulfill many of the goals outlined in that report, and move forward Governor Christie’s commitment to ensuring the growth and success of Atlantic City’s economy, and the state’s gaming and tourism industries.
Photo of Governor Chris Christie by Dan Cirucci, copyright 2011.
Christie Vetoes AC Convention Authority Minutes
With legislation pending that would transfer the functions of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA) to the Casino Reinvestment and Development Authority (CRDA), New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today vetoed numerous resolutions of the ACCVA, including its 2011 operations and marketing budgets.
“In light of this legislation currently before me for consideration, and my desire not to foreclose any options for the future of Atlantic City, I am compelled to veto the above resolutions which affect the operating, budgeting and finances of the ACCVA,” Governor Christie wrote in his veto letter, signed today, to Jeffrey S. Vasser, the ACCVA executive director.
The Governor vetoed the following resolutions reflected in the minutes of the ACCVA’s December 15, meeting:
• 2011 Destination Marketing Organization Budget
• 2011 Operations Budget
• 2011 Consolidated Capital Plan
• Solar Purchase Agreement, West Hall, and
• Renewal of Intergovernmental Agreement with the Atlantic City Special Improvement District to Install, Remove and Store Banners.
The Governor noted in his veto letter that two bills (S-11 and A-3581) have passed in the legislature and direct the establishment of the Atlantic City Tourism District, broaden the powers and duties of the CRDA and transfers ACCVA and its functions to the CRDA. Both pieces of legislation await action by Governor Christie.
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“In light of this legislation currently before me for consideration, and my desire not to foreclose any options for the future of Atlantic City, I am compelled to veto the above resolutions which affect the operating, budgeting and finances of the ACCVA,” Governor Christie wrote in his veto letter, signed today, to Jeffrey S. Vasser, the ACCVA executive director.
The Governor vetoed the following resolutions reflected in the minutes of the ACCVA’s December 15, meeting:
• 2011 Destination Marketing Organization Budget
• 2011 Operations Budget
• 2011 Consolidated Capital Plan
• Solar Purchase Agreement, West Hall, and
• Renewal of Intergovernmental Agreement with the Atlantic City Special Improvement District to Install, Remove and Store Banners.
The Governor noted in his veto letter that two bills (S-11 and A-3581) have passed in the legislature and direct the establishment of the Atlantic City Tourism District, broaden the powers and duties of the CRDA and transfers ACCVA and its functions to the CRDA. Both pieces of legislation await action by Governor Christie.
Live Naked Dancers In Atlantic City Casino Shows?
Topless and nudity are strictly prohibited in Atlantic City casino shows under New Jersey state regulations.
But now some people think such regulations ought to be loosened.
Already, Atlantic City casino stage shows feature scantily clad bodies is sexy performances that are all-but-nude.
And some casino execs and show producers seem to feel it may be time to push the envelope a bit further.
The question they're facing is this: Can Atlantic City really make it as a family destination or should the city simply position itself as an adult playground more like Las Vegas?
The resort needs to make a decision if it is to survive new competition from an increasing number of neighboring gambling venues.It can't necessarily be all things to all people.
One show producer says Atlantic City should consider going nude
“I just think it’s something that should be looked at. We’re not Vegas, but we are a helluva lot closer to Vegas than any place else, and we should be the Vegas of the East Coast. I think that should be embraced in the state level,” he told The Press of Atlantic City.
Click here to read more.
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But now some people think such regulations ought to be loosened.
Already, Atlantic City casino stage shows feature scantily clad bodies is sexy performances that are all-but-nude.
And some casino execs and show producers seem to feel it may be time to push the envelope a bit further.
The question they're facing is this: Can Atlantic City really make it as a family destination or should the city simply position itself as an adult playground more like Las Vegas?
The resort needs to make a decision if it is to survive new competition from an increasing number of neighboring gambling venues.It can't necessarily be all things to all people.
One show producer says Atlantic City should consider going nude
“I just think it’s something that should be looked at. We’re not Vegas, but we are a helluva lot closer to Vegas than any place else, and we should be the Vegas of the East Coast. I think that should be embraced in the state level,” he told The Press of Atlantic City.
Click here to read more.
Christie Signs Law Boosting Atlantic City
Taking action to create jobs and move forward with the Administration’s efforts to revitalize Atlantic City’s tourism and gaming industries, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed Senate Bill 1866, legislation that provides for the issuance of two new casino licenses for facilities with a lower minimum bedroom requirement of 200 rooms rather than the 500 mandated under current law. By paving the way for new investments in Atlantic City, the provisions of this legislation will help to revitalize the region and will ensure that this crucial State resource is preserved.
“This bill will provide a boost to the engines of Atlantic City and the regional economy, bringing badly needed jobs to the area and signaling the re-emergence of world-class entertainment,” said Governor Christie. “While this is an important step in meeting our commitment to revitalize Atlantic City as a premier destination resort, we have more work to do in laying the foundation for growth in this critical area of our economy. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners in the legislature and Atlantic City to implement a comprehensive plan to bring the job creation, capital investment, and regulatory reform needed to renew Atlantic City and strengthen our economy.”
New Jersey’s casino industry has been in decline for several years. Regional competition and the economic challenges created by the recession have combined to weaken the ability of the gaming industry to grow and thrive. New capital investment in Atlantic City and a renewed effort by the State to revitalize the casino industry are essential to reversing this trend. S-1866 takes the important step of removing some barriers to the attraction of new casinos to the City and is a critical action needed to foster the reemergence of Atlantic City a premier resort, tourist and convention destination.
As outlined in the recent Hanson Commission Report, the revitalization of Atlantic City is critical not only to the residents and local economy of Atlantic City but to all of New Jersey as well. This legislation, along with the previous action taken by the Christie Administration and Atlantic City to bring stability to the City’s finances, continues the ongoing work of developing a new Tourism District program in a comprehensive and bipartisan manner.
In October 2010, the Governor announced that the City of Atlantic City had agreed to state oversight of the City’s troubled finances. Following that, the Casino Association of New Jersey announced in October, the formation of the Atlantic City Alliance, representing a private sector commitment to devote $30 million or more annually to promoting Atlantic City as a destination resort and supporting the revitalization of Atlantic City. Legislation to create the Atlantic City Tourism District and to modernize regulation of gaming in New Jersey is under consideration in the Legislature.
S-1866 revises State law to authorize the Casino Control Commission to issue casino licenses for “small scale” and “staged” casino facilities. These facilities will be permitted to have a minimum of 200 bedrooms, as opposed to the 500-bedroom minimum imposed under current law. Under the law, a small scale casino can remain at 200 rooms, but a staged casino will be required to expand to a full scale casino (i.e., 500 rooms) within 5 years. The bill limits the Commission to issuing a maximum of two new licenses, at least one of which shall be for a staged casino, and licensees will be required to construct new facilities that are adjacent to the Boardwalk, as opposed to rehabilitating existing facilities or building within the Marina zone.
This legislation is sponsored by Senators Whelan (D-Atlantic) and Kyrillos (R-Middlesex, Monmouth), as well as Assemblymembers Burzichelli (D-Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester), Polistina (R-Atlantic), Amodeo (R-Atlantic), and Moriarty (D-Camden, Gloucester).
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“This bill will provide a boost to the engines of Atlantic City and the regional economy, bringing badly needed jobs to the area and signaling the re-emergence of world-class entertainment,” said Governor Christie. “While this is an important step in meeting our commitment to revitalize Atlantic City as a premier destination resort, we have more work to do in laying the foundation for growth in this critical area of our economy. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners in the legislature and Atlantic City to implement a comprehensive plan to bring the job creation, capital investment, and regulatory reform needed to renew Atlantic City and strengthen our economy.”
New Jersey’s casino industry has been in decline for several years. Regional competition and the economic challenges created by the recession have combined to weaken the ability of the gaming industry to grow and thrive. New capital investment in Atlantic City and a renewed effort by the State to revitalize the casino industry are essential to reversing this trend. S-1866 takes the important step of removing some barriers to the attraction of new casinos to the City and is a critical action needed to foster the reemergence of Atlantic City a premier resort, tourist and convention destination.
As outlined in the recent Hanson Commission Report, the revitalization of Atlantic City is critical not only to the residents and local economy of Atlantic City but to all of New Jersey as well. This legislation, along with the previous action taken by the Christie Administration and Atlantic City to bring stability to the City’s finances, continues the ongoing work of developing a new Tourism District program in a comprehensive and bipartisan manner.
In October 2010, the Governor announced that the City of Atlantic City had agreed to state oversight of the City’s troubled finances. Following that, the Casino Association of New Jersey announced in October, the formation of the Atlantic City Alliance, representing a private sector commitment to devote $30 million or more annually to promoting Atlantic City as a destination resort and supporting the revitalization of Atlantic City. Legislation to create the Atlantic City Tourism District and to modernize regulation of gaming in New Jersey is under consideration in the Legislature.
S-1866 revises State law to authorize the Casino Control Commission to issue casino licenses for “small scale” and “staged” casino facilities. These facilities will be permitted to have a minimum of 200 bedrooms, as opposed to the 500-bedroom minimum imposed under current law. Under the law, a small scale casino can remain at 200 rooms, but a staged casino will be required to expand to a full scale casino (i.e., 500 rooms) within 5 years. The bill limits the Commission to issuing a maximum of two new licenses, at least one of which shall be for a staged casino, and licensees will be required to construct new facilities that are adjacent to the Boardwalk, as opposed to rehabilitating existing facilities or building within the Marina zone.
This legislation is sponsored by Senators Whelan (D-Atlantic) and Kyrillos (R-Middlesex, Monmouth), as well as Assemblymembers Burzichelli (D-Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester), Polistina (R-Atlantic), Amodeo (R-Atlantic), and Moriarty (D-Camden, Gloucester).