As Atlantic City Fights to Save Convention Business, Levinson Questions State Support for Competing Destinations

Atlantic County executive points to proposed $3 billion Meadowlands convention complex and $75 million in state tax credits for Asbury Park as concerns grow over the future of Atlantic City's Sheraton hotel.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — As Atlantic City struggles to protect its convention business and prevent the possible loss of a major hotel, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson is questioning why New Jersey is supporting convention and entertainment projects elsewhere in the state while the resort's existing facilities face an uncertain future.

During a Wednesday, Oct. 7, appearance on Klein Time with Dan Klein on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND, Levinson warned that the state could be creating additional competition for Atlantic City at a time when its convention industry needs investment.

"They're talking about, they're pursuing a 300,000-square-foot convention center at the Meadowlands, Dan, and they just put $75 million in the convention center in Asbury Park," Levinson said.

"Now, under those circumstances, you've got priorities, don't you? And right now, Atlantic City is not a priority."

The comments come amid an increasingly contentious effort to preserve the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, which serves as a critical lodging option for visitors attending events at the adjacent Atlantic City Convention Center.

The hotel's owners have proposed converting a substantial portion of the property to residential use, raising concerns among business leaders and elected officials about the potential loss of hundreds of hotel rooms.

Levinson believes the consequences could extend well beyond the hotel itself.

A $3 Billion Convention Center Proposed for the Meadowlands

Levinson's concerns about the Meadowlands are grounded in a substantial development proposal that has been advancing this year.

In April, the Meadowlands Chamber unveiled updated plans for a $3 billion convention and entertainment complex at the former Izod Center site in East Rutherford.

The proposal includes approximately 300,000 square feet of exhibition space, additional meeting and ballroom facilities, a 1,000-room headquarters hotel and an arena capable of accommodating approximately 6,000 spectators.

The development would be located near MetLife Stadium and the American Dream entertainment and shopping complex.

Supporters envision the project attracting major conventions, trade shows and corporate events that might otherwise go to New York City or other destinations.

The Meadowlands Chamber has projected substantial economic benefits, including thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity over several decades.

However, those projections depend on the project being financed, approved and completed.

The convention center has not been built, and its financing and development remain unresolved.

For Levinson, the proposal raises an important question about whether New Jersey should encourage another major convention destination without first addressing Atlantic City's existing infrastructure.

"I can't believe we're competing with ourselves with all the money that we have wrapped up here, all the lives and the well-being of the workers that we have in Atlantic City," he said.

Asbury Park Receives $75 Million in State Tax Credits

Levinson also pointed to a significant state incentive package approved for the restoration of Asbury Park's historic Convention Hall complex.

In August, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved up to $75 million in tax credits toward a $130 million restoration project.

The project includes Convention Hall, the Grand Arcade and the Paramount Theater.

The complex has been closed since approximately 2021 because of structural safety concerns.

The restoration is intended to address major structural and mechanical problems, improve accessibility and return the landmark to use as a year-round performing arts and entertainment destination.

Unlike the proposed Meadowlands development, the Asbury Park project primarily involves preserving and rehabilitating an existing historic complex.

Nevertheless, Levinson sees the investment as evidence that substantial state assistance is available for tourism-related facilities elsewhere.

"They gave Asbury Park, they gave them the $75 million for renovation at the convention center, and the state's pursuing a 300,000-square-foot convention center in the Meadowlands," he said.

The $75 million award is structured as tax credits rather than a direct cash grant, and the developer must meet program requirements to receive the full benefit.

State officials have described the project as an important investment in historic preservation, tourism and the performing arts.

Sheraton Fight Intensifies

Levinson's comments come as Atlantic City officials, business leaders and members of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority seek a solution to the Sheraton hotel's uncertain future.

The property is particularly important because of its direct connection to the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Convention organizers often require large blocks of hotel rooms within walking distance of meeting and exhibition facilities.

Losing a substantial portion of those rooms could make Atlantic City less attractive for certain conventions, potentially affecting restaurants, casinos, transportation providers and other businesses.

Levinson credited CRDA board member Frank Formica with bringing greater attention to the issue.

"I want to compliment Frank Formica," Levinson said.

"The elected officials in Trenton never opened their mouth about it until Frank Formica got on his horse and decided to explain the doom and gloom that would occur if our convention business goes down the toilet."

Formica has been among the most vocal advocates for preserving the Sheraton's hotel operations.

During his own appearance earlier this week on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on WOND, Formica emphasized the importance of maintaining the hotel's approximately 500 rooms.

Levinson also criticized the CRDA's earlier approval of the redevelopment proposal.

"They were told point blank by Mo Butler and by Eric Scheffler that we have to vote for it or we're going to get sued," Levinson said, referring to CRDA Chairman Modia Butler and Executive Director Eric Scheffler.

Those comments reflect Levinson's account of the discussions surrounding the vote. The authority's leadership has not independently confirmed his characterization.

Levinson argued that the threat of litigation should not prevent officials from reconsidering decisions they believe could harm Atlantic City's economy.

"If I succumbed to threats of lawsuit for the 27 years I've been county executive, we wouldn't have gotten too much done," he said.

He praised Formica for continuing to pursue a solution.

"It's not the amount of mistakes you make or the size of them, it's how you recover," Levinson said.

"And I got to hand it to Formica, and he got the ball rolling."

Levinson Says Atlantic City's Economic Future Is at Stake

Beyond the convention center itself, Levinson argued that the issue has implications for Atlantic County's broader economy.

He pointed to Atlantic City's poverty rate and the importance of tourism-related employment.

"One out of every three people living in Atlantic City [is] below the poverty level," Levinson said.

"If we're going to kill the convention business and kill everything else that goes along with it, there are going to be more people that are below the poverty level."

The county executive emphasized that convention visitors support far more than hotels.

Casino employees, restaurant workers, delivery companies, retailers and other businesses all benefit from visitor spending.

He questioned whether the state fully appreciates those economic connections.

"Each casino is good for a few thousand workers, plus their families depend on it, plus the people that deliver milk and eggs and liquor," Levinson said.

He also criticized what he considers insufficient state attention to Atlantic City's convention facilities.

Convention Center Modernization Also an Issue

Levinson's concerns extend beyond the Sheraton.

During Wednesday's interview, he questioned why the Atlantic City Convention Center has not received improvements he considers essential to attracting modern business events.

"While they're at it, why don't they put Wi-Fi in the new convention center?" he asked.

"Can you imagine doing a business, being here for four days, and not being able to have Wi-Fi?"

His comments underscore broader concerns about whether the convention center has received adequate modernization since opening in 1997.

The facility's technology capabilities and any existing wireless services would need to be independently verified before concluding that Wi-Fi is unavailable.

The larger question is whether Atlantic City can remain competitive without additional investment in its convention infrastructure.

That concern has also been raised during legislative discussions about New Jersey's tourism and convention industries.

In testimony before state lawmakers, representatives of Atlantic City's convention industry have warned that developing a new convention facility in North Jersey without modernizing Atlantic City's existing center could shift business within the state rather than generate entirely new economic activity.

Calls for Bipartisan Cooperation

Despite his criticism, Levinson expressed optimism that elected officials from both political parties could work together to preserve the Sheraton.

He said Atlantic County Commissioner June Byrnes recently introduced a resolution supporting the hotel's continued operation.

Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan was also involved in discussions surrounding the issue, according to Levinson.

"It's starting to catch on with both sides, and hopefully it will be bipartisan," he said.

"We can fight this together and then fight ourselves after it's over."

Levinson emphasized that protecting Atlantic City's convention industry should take precedence over political disagreements.

"Right now, Atlantic City, I want it to survive. I want it to thrive."

A Larger Question for New Jersey

The competing developments highlight an increasingly important issue for New Jersey's tourism economy.

The Meadowlands proposal seeks to attract conventions and corporate events to North Jersey, while the Asbury Park project aims to restore a historic entertainment landmark.

Both could generate economic benefits for their respective communities.

But Atlantic City already has a major convention center, thousands of hotel rooms and an established tourism infrastructure supporting a large regional workforce.

Whether the state can develop additional convention and entertainment destinations while adequately supporting Atlantic City's existing facilities remains an open question.

For Levinson, the immediate priority is clear: Preserve the Sheraton, protect the convention center and ensure Atlantic City receives the attention necessary to remain competitive.

"We certainly need unity," he said.

Dennis Levinson appeared Wednesday, Oct. 7, on Klein Time with Dan Klein, heard weekdays from 2 to 4 p.m. on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND.