It is a common knowledge that the closure of the four Atlantic City-based casinos led to serious economy issues and left hundreds of people unemployed. Local officials have been trying to relief the situation but their efforts were not quite successful.
Meanwhile, a proposal for diversifying the economy of Atlantic City by focusing on non-gambling activities has been introduced.
More and more Atlantic City officials settle down around the suggestion of establishing an Entertainment City that would feature various arts, recreational and entertainment options. The initial idea is the City to be located at the Bader Field airport site.
Yet, no further details have been released so far but the idea is Atlantic City to become similar to Venice, Denmark and San Antonio, famous for having successfully adopted waterfront amenities, which contributed to the stable economy. Not to mention the excellent standard of living of their residents.
Actually, the situation in Atlantic City is a bit complicated. The city is trying to deal with the financial issues and diversify the economy by offering non-gambling facilities to residents and visitors. However, the alternative for establishment of more casinos in the area has not been abandoned, either.
The above-mentioned proposal does not confirm whether another casino venue is to be established but one thing is for sure. If another casino is built along with the Entertainment City construction, officials reassured the communities that it will develop an “interconnected community”.
Mayor Don Guardian also commented on the matter and said that residents’ opinion will be taken into consideration. He added that Atlantic City is a great place to live and go on vacation.
As already mentioned, officials were reluctant to provide more information but the initial plan proposes the Entertainment City to include housing, green open spaces, a marina district and last but not least, a commercial area.
The location of the future venue is said to be really convenient. It is within walking distance from the ocean, near the shuttered Atlantic Club casino. It will provide visitors with various conveniences such as a supermarket, areas for fishing, jogging, walking, a basketball court, restaurants, movie theater, etc.
In order any troubles related to its close proximity to the ocean to be prevented, the envision is the site to be designed as “walkable”.
Although Atlantic City officials remain hopeful that the gambling sector will be revitalized, they have no time to lose and as a result, a similar project has been introduced as well. It proposes an expansion of the Atlantic City Aquarium by adding different non-gambling facilities.
