By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
“I get tired of hearing ‘Atlantic City’s going to be great again’ without details,” Lupo, the President of AC Hard Rock Casino, said. “We need to see some funding from the state and some real planning from the city. The streets need to be paved. There needs to be more light. There needs to be more police on the streets.”
Last week, AC Hard Rock President Joe Lupo, Senior Vice President of Tropicana Jacqueline Grace, Mark Giannantonio of Resorts and Paul Juliano of Bally’s met to explore ideas in the midst of New York City’s future plans to construct casinos in Manhattan and Queens. The casino bosses predict that a NY casinos won’t be on the scene until 2025 or 2026, but it’s important to rebrand Atlantic City as a desirable destination.
“If Atlantic City, its casinos, and state officials can work together to address those concerns, the impact from one or more New York casinos may be much less than it otherwise would,” the execs agreed.
Lupo of Hard Rock Atlantic City has expressed concerns over NY’s addition of a Hard Rock Casino, and reported that even if one isn’t built in that city, Hard Rock plans on building either a racetrack or hotel-casino in North Jersey. Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, hinted at building up to three casinos in the tri-state area. “New York is coming,” said Lupo.
Atlantic City has faced a variety of blights that have led to its loss of tourists, including poor infrastructure, dated entertainment options, and the appearance of dirty or unsafe neighborhoods. “Clean and safe, clean and safe, clean and safe. That has to be our mantra,” said Juliano of Bally’s. “You can change perception by reality.”
Many real estate developers have come and gone, dreaming of transforming Atlantic City but either running out of money or spirit. Despite these disappointments, Atlantic City does have some upcoming projects that have the potential to bring the town back to its glory days. The Inlet anticipates the opening of North Beach Mini Golf. The spot between the seawall and Ocean Casino was once owned by Jared Kushner and then abandoned and destroyed by Superstorm Sandy will be revitalized, looking onto Brigantine beach with pride.
A block across from the Absecon Lighthouse is slated for refurbishments, including a tennis court and potentially a pickleball court. The Intrieri Brothers plan on building a two-story mini golf and bike rental that connects to the Boardwalk. KY and The Curb, the former thriving, wealthy African American neighborhood on Kentucky Avenue, will be revived through the remodel of Kelsey’s (the famous soul food restaurant) and possibly a new branch of the Atlantic City African American Heritage Museum of South Jersey (led by Raph Hunter).
Bally’s spokesperson Diane Spiers announced the development of Bally’s Yard, months after the casino decided not to continue with plans to open Harry’s Oyster Bar (by the Dougherty Brothers), which would compete directly with Knife & Fork and Doc’s Oyster Bar. Bally’s Yard will be covered with glass and offer a beautiful, modern biergarten with live entertainment. On Atlantic City’s old airstrip, Bader Field, duplexes and midi/high rise condominiums with a sustainable design. There will also be a driving court, 140 affordable housing options, and a 160-room hotel. Eric Feitshans, the LA-based investor, said, “If you provide all the normal things a city should have, people will populate that.”
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. addressed these changes in his speech last month. In his State-of-the-City address in the Caesars Ballroom, he said, “Everyone wants to talk about a grand slam. But Atlantic City, we’re in a position where we need everything. We need some singles, some doubles. We need the sacrifice bunt. We need to get hit by a pitch. We need to walk.”
What do you think Atlantic City needs to thrive? Email Shore Local Newsmagazine at shorelocalnews@gmail.com.
Sarah Fertsch is a writer and artist who has recently moved back to South Jersey. She loves satire, a good cup of coffee, and exploring new places.
