After meeting with members of its City Council Planning Subcommittee, Senator Vince Polistina and Assemblyman Don Guardian (both R–Atlantic County) announced pending legislation earlier today that would restore Atlantic City's right to solely govern planning and zoning within its municipal borders. Since 2011, new development in the city's Tourism District, which covers half of the City, has needed approval from both the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and city government and since 2016, the City of Atlantic City has been under State oversight as a result of the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act (MSRA).

“When the takeover under MSRA began, the goal was for the State to help Atlantic City manage its financial challenges and avoid repeating past mistakes while building the capacity for self-governance,” said Senator Vince Polistina. “We cannot consider extending any takeover without a clear path toward restoring core municipal functions, particularly the City’s ability to manage its own planning and zoning.”

Assemblyman Don Guardian, a former Mayor of Atlantic City, voiced his support for increasing the City’s role and responsibility within the framework of MSRA while reducing restrictions of S-11, the legislation that created the tourism district.

“Planning and zoning are key responsibilities of any local government,” Guardian said. "Through different agencies and programs, the State has poured millions of dollars into Atlantic City in recent years to attract private investment. The builders are here, they want to build, and they should be evaluated on the merits of their proposals by city residents -- now re-enfranchised -- who sit on these local governing boards."

Senator Polistina noted that planning and zoning responsibilities are currently handled by the CRDA and said the proposed change would allow the Authority to refocus on its primary mission.

“The CRDA has incredibly qualified staff, brought on board to handle major redevelopment projects. By allowing them to concentrate on reinvestment and redevelopment, the entire city benefits,” Polistina added. “Major projects like the transformation of Renaissance Plaza demonstrate where CRDA works best, while allowing Atlantic City to resume responsibility for core municipal functions.”

Polistina and Guardian are also looking forward to the establishment of a working group consisting of the second district legislative delegation, elected officials from the City and County, representatives from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, and other key stakeholders in Atlantic City as the conversations regarding the extension of the state takeover continue.  The focus of the working group will be to collectively work towards reinvestment and redevelopment for the City and establish a framework for return to local control for the City. Senator Polistina, Assemblyman Guardian, and Assemblywoman Swift believe in continuing the City down a path of independence by working collaboratively with everyone in the region is best for the future of the City and region.