Planning and Development Committee chairman says Atlantic City must support developers willing to invest in the resort, while promising a review of plans for the former Trump Plaza property.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Atlantic City Councilman Kaleem Shabazz is welcoming George Norcross's investment in the former Trump Plaza property while offering a strong defense of developer Bart Blatstein, whose financial challenges have raised questions about the future of his Atlantic City holdings.
During a Monday, November 9, appearance on The Don Williams Show on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, Shabazz said Atlantic City must encourage private investment and stand behind developers who have demonstrated a commitment to the resort, even when they encounter financial difficulties.
Shabazz, who chairs City Council's Planning and Development Committee, said he looks forward to reviewing Norcross's plans for the former Trump Plaza site and working with the developer to advance a project that could contribute to Atlantic City's revitalization.
His comments come as two prominent figures in Atlantic City's redevelopment efforts are attracting attention for different reasons: Norcross for his recent investment in the resort and Blatstein for efforts to address financial obligations connected to his properties.
Shabazz Defends Blatstein's Record in Atlantic City
Williams asked Shabazz about reports that Blatstein was seeking approximately $20 million in financing to address outstanding debts.
Shabazz acknowledged that he was not familiar with the developer's specific financial obligations but made clear that he believes Blatstein deserves credit for investing in Atlantic City when others were reluctant.
"I am a fan of Bart Blatstein," Shabazz said. "I don't know all his financial obligations and standards, but I do know this, and I'll say this anyway, Don. When people were skeptical on Atlantic City's financial future, Bart Blatstein ran to Atlantic City."
Shabazz pointed to Blatstein's investment in the former Showboat casino property, his hiring of local workers and his continued involvement in the resort.
"Bart Blatstein put up his money. Bart Blatstein hired local people. Bart Blatstein rescued Showboat," Shabazz said.
"And Bart Blatstein stayed with Atlantic City and encouraged other people to come to Atlantic City."
Blatstein purchased the former Showboat casino property in 2016 and subsequently transformed it into a hotel and entertainment complex, including the Island Waterpark.
His redevelopment efforts have been part of Atlantic City's broader attempt to expand tourism beyond traditional casino gambling.
Shabazz argued that elected officials should recognize the risks developers take when committing substantial private capital to the city.
"Those of us in public sector, those of us who are fortunate enough to be elected, that we have to encourage developers to come to Atlantic City," he said. "We have to encourage them to make investments."
He added that the city's support should not disappear when a developer experiences setbacks.
"And if they have some bad times or some down times, I think we have to stick with them."
Shabazz also disclosed his personal relationship with Blatstein.
"And I am a Bart Blatstein fan, full disclosure. He's a friend of mine."
The councilman said he believes Blatstein's overall record in Atlantic City demonstrates a commitment to the community.
"If we look at what Bart Blatstein's record is in Atlantic City, it is a record of someone who has been supportive," Shabazz said. "It's a record of someone who has put his money where his mouth is, and it's a record of someone who's given back to this community."
"I hope that he's going to be successful in his effort," he added.
Shabazz's comments were an endorsement of Blatstein's contributions to Atlantic City, not an assessment of the developer's financial condition. He did not provide details about the reported financing arrangement or its status.
Norcross Investment Draws Enthusiastic Response
Shabazz was equally supportive when Williams turned the conversation to George Norcross and his acquisition of the former Trump Plaza property.
The prominent South Jersey businessman and political figure has attracted attention with his investment in the site, which occupies a highly visible location along Atlantic City's Boardwalk.
The former Trump Plaza casino closed in 2014, and its hotel tower was demolished in 2021, leaving a major redevelopment opportunity along the resort's oceanfront.
Williams noted that Norcross had discussed the need for additional family-oriented entertainment in Atlantic City during a previous WOND interview.
Shabazz said he agreed with that direction.
"I agree with Mr. Norcross," Shabazz said, comparing him with other developers who have invested in Atlantic City.
He pointed to Norcross's involvement in redevelopment along the Camden waterfront and expressed optimism about what he could bring to the resort.
"Mr. Norcross is famous for what he has done in the Camden waterfront area, and I welcome [him] to Atlantic City," Shabazz said.
The councilman also described his respect for Norcross's philanthropic support of Cooper University Health Care, noting that members of his own family have received care at Cooper.
"He won my acclaim and won my respect and won my support when I saw that he gave $100 million to a hospital, Cooper Hospital," Shabazz said.
"So I salute George Norcross. Welcome to Atlantic City and looking forward to whatever he wants to do."
City Council Committee Prepared to Review Plans
Beyond his personal support for Norcross, Shabazz's comments are significant because of his leadership position on City Council.
As chairman of the Planning and Development Committee, Shabazz could have a role in reviewing aspects of future redevelopment proposals requiring council action.
"We're anxious to review his project and vet it and give it to the whole council for whatever resolutions or ordinances that we need to make this project whole," Shabazz said.
His remarks suggest a willingness to work with Norcross as development plans take shape, although no specific proposal was approved or announced during the interview.
Shabazz emphasized that he was speaking for himself rather than formally representing Mayor Marty Small Sr.
"Again, the mayor speaks for himself, but I believe the council and the mayor are united on welcoming Mr. Norcross to Atlantic City," he said.
The distinction is important because any redevelopment project could require various municipal approvals depending on its scope, design and proposed uses.
Shabazz did not identify specific ordinances, zoning changes, financial incentives or other approvals that Norcross might seek.
He nevertheless made clear that he views the investment as an opportunity for Atlantic City.
"Again, we welcome Mr. Norcross to Atlantic City and look forward with great anticipation to what he's going to do in Atlantic City," Shabazz said.
"And those of us in city government, we are his partners to move Atlantic City forward."
Atlantic City's Continuing Push Beyond Casino Gambling
The comments come during a period when Atlantic City continues working to diversify its economy and attract investment in entertainment, recreation, housing and other non-gaming development.
The former Trump Plaza property represents one of the most recognizable redevelopment sites along the Boardwalk.
Meanwhile, Blatstein's Showboat complex has been part of the effort to create additional family-oriented attractions and reasons for visitors to stay in Atlantic City beyond casino gambling.
The two developers represent different stages of that effort.
Blatstein has already invested in operating entertainment properties and now faces questions surrounding his financing.
Norcross has acquired a prominent redevelopment site, but the details of what he ultimately intends to build remain an important unanswered question.
Shabazz's position is that Atlantic City benefits when private investors are willing to take risks on the resort's future.
His comments also raise broader questions about how city government should balance its desire to attract development with its responsibility to review projects, protect taxpayers and ensure that investments produce lasting community benefits.
For now, Shabazz is signaling that he wants Atlantic City to remain welcoming to both established developers and new investors.
The next important development will be the presentation of specific plans for the former Trump Plaza site and any formal actions requested of city government.
This story is based in part on Atlantic City Councilman Kaleem Shabazz's November 9 interview on The Don Williams Show, heard weekdays from 6–10 a.m. on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.
About the Author
Scott Stephens
Scott has been an on-air personality, producer and newscaster for 30+ years. He has been a mainstay in the South Jersey Community and on the air across many different area stations. Scott can currently be heard on Kool 98.3 and News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.
