The Atlantic City Restart and Recovery Group, an organization created by Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration last summer, published a 58-page report Wednesday defining ways for the city to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic — as well as from systemic issues that existed long before that.
“The recommendations in this report are bold, common sense, within reach, and necessary,” wrote co-chairs Matt Doherty of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and Christina Renna from the Chamber of Commerce of South Jersey. “It is incumbent upon policy makers to find the resources and the resolve to fully implement this plan. Otherwise, we will miss a unique opportunity for Atlantic City and fail to launch forward as we emerge from this pandemic.”
The most expensive property in the traditional Monopoly board game is a key focus, according to the report:
“The Boardwalk is, more than any other single feature, the symbol of Atlantic City to the world — it is truly iconic. It is currently in an advanced state of disrepair, and in several places could well collapse in the near future. If the meteorologists are correct in predicting future coastal storms, there is also the possibility that one of those storms could wipe out the Boardwalk in its present condition, unless it has been rebuilt, with disastrous and wide-spread negative implications for everything that we want to do to restart and recover Atlantic City.
“The engineering for rebuilding the Boardwalk is familiar, and has already been employed to a substantial degree when recent prior repairs were made. A commitment by the State and the City to rebuild the Boardwalk in the next 2-3 years would immediately shine a very bright spotlight on Atlantic City throughout the State and even the nation, with the resulting conviction in all quarters that ‘they are really ALL IN’ in the commitment to bring Atlantic City back.”
Improvements needed from Atlantic to Pacific
“The subcommittee also recommends refreshing the structures and appearances along Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue. These are the two main thoroughfares in Atlantic City, and if these were given a new and refreshing look it could give a new facade to the City. This was done in Baltimore Harbor and tremendous benefits were reaped by that City.”
The good news in the report is that some improvements already are in the planning stages for Atlantic Avenue, including “modernization and upgrading of street lighting and camera coverage; new and synchronized traffic signaling; creation of bicycle and pedestrian paths; reduction of traffic lanes from 4 to 2; and a new median area with trees and seating facilities.”
Recommendations for Pacific Avenue include demolition of deteriorated buildings; a “greening” of vacant lots and parking areas; modern and creative lighting and tree planting along the street; upgrading of intersections, including crosswalks, signage, and signaling; improved lighting and street maintenance with sidewalk upgrades; and relocation of service yards and dumpsters.
Public safety also was addressed in the report.
“In addition to the crime that exists in the City, there are a multitude of factors that contribute to an unsafe feeling. These revolve around the hyper-concentration of people with social service needs — primarily in the Tourism District — for which we are failing to find long-term solutions.
“Social service programs that exist in the City (but not other municipalities or counties) attract non-residents for clean needles, shelter, and food programs. Atlantic City has become the place for others to send their most vulnerable, and the result has negatively impacted our tourism economy and added pressure to municipal services, particularly the police department and public works.”
Recommendations on that front include moving high-visibility social services out of the Tourism District; leveraging the city’s Abandoned Property Act to hold property owners accountable to maintain their vacant property; and increasing foot and bicycle patrols.
The ‘Who’s in charge here?’ problem
The report pulled no punches concerning the lack of a coherent game plan to attract new businesses to the city.
“The first challenge for a business that wants to come into Atlantic City is ‘who is in charge?’ Random calls to the Mayor’s Office, CRDA, Atlantic County Economic Alliance, and the business community result in an uncoordinated response and potential new businesses falling through the cracks.
“All the committee members recognize the importance of working collaboratively and as a team to welcome new business by positively promoting the City, explaining the processes, and helping them connect with those that will support their efforts. Further, to make a good first impression and provide information and resources, an on-line presence attracting development should be created.
“Moreover, the existing business community is frustrated and intimidated by the permit and approval process in the City. Navigating any city hall for permits and approvals is challenging. Atlantic City applicants also have to deal with Tourism District regulations, confusion regarding jurisdiction, the lack of information and applications on-line, customer service shortfalls, Federal Flood Hazard rules, and State Environmental Regulations.
“The most time consuming and thus costly aspect is having to go to several different offices and the uncertainty of the process and timing of approvals. The cost of obtaining approvals and construction costs are high relative to the end value, resulting in the lack of new investment. In addition, there is no intentional or coordinated effort in Atlantic City to attract new businesses and industries.”
Casinos as footnote in report
The city’s casino industry, its largest employer, was largely left out of the report in favor of a comprehensive look at assisting residents’ needs.
The report does note: “Atlantic City is still a resort. However, traditional casino gaming faces competition from other states as well as a lack of interest by millennials. Millennials seek experiences different than previous generations.”
One potential new avenue suggested is E-gaming.
“It not only creates a demand for players but also creates a demand for tournament venues and IT support,” the report states. “Atlantic Cape Community College is expanding program options to include E-sports with concentrations in game design and development, as well as E-sports management. In the future, there may be a role for wagering on e-gaming events.”
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