ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) - Atlantic City's Tourism District is now a reality.
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority voted Tuesday to approve the boundaries of the new state-supervised area.
It covers a large portion of the resort city. Included are the casinos, Boardwalk and
The state will take over responsibility for public safety, cleanliness and development within the district.
The objective is to help rejuvenate the nation's second-largest gambling market. Atlantic City has lost nearly one-third of its business due to the economic downturn and competition from legalized gambling in neighboring states over the past four years.
Mayor Lorenzo Langford, who sits on the CRDA board, cast the lone "no" vote.
"There is a feeling that part of (the plan) is about seizing control of the assets of Atlantic City," he said.
Langford wanted the 142-acre Bader Field tract, which the city owns and is trying to sell, removed from the district. But his request was rejected.
"The mayor, as a board member, has asked for that amendment," said resident Kaleem Shabazz. "The City Council has asked for that amendment. I think that needs to be considered very strongly.
Langford and other city officials have opposed the state's stepped-up involvement in Atlantic City. Last week, the mayor said the state is treating Atlantic City "like a pimp treats a prostitute."
Gov. Chris Christie dismissed criticism from Atlantic City officials, saying last week the intervention is being done for a reason.
"It has become a necessary situation because of the complete incompetence and corruption in Atlantic City over decades," Christie said. "Is it my normal bent to want to do that? No. But they left us with no alternative.
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