Is State Control Holding Atlantic City Back?

ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson says one of Atlantic City's biggest obstacles isn't City Hall—it's the State of New Jersey.

During an appearance on "Off The Press with Scott Cronick" on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, Levinson argued that Trenton's continued oversight of the city has stripped local officials of the authority they need to move projects forward and address longstanding issues.

"I know it's easy to beat up on Atlantic City government," Levinson said. "But the city is controlled from fish to nuts by the State of New Jersey."

New Jersey assumed broad oversight of Atlantic City's finances and operations in 2016 under the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act. While the city's finances have improved since then, Levinson said the continued state involvement is now slowing progress rather than helping it.

He said Mayor Marty Small often receives criticism for issues that are ultimately beyond his control.

"I know Marty Small doesn't like hearing this because he is the mayor... but in most cases, his hands are tied," Levinson said, adding that city leaders must frequently seek approval from Trenton before moving forward on key initiatives.

One of Levinson's biggest concerns is the state's control over Atlantic City's planning and zoning process.

"I would leave Atlantic City to their own devices," he said. "The first thing I would do... [is] give zoning and planning back to the city."

According to Levinson, developers face unnecessary delays because they must navigate multiple state agencies before projects can move ahead.

"Anybody that wants to do business over there... you've got to jump through hoops going from one agency to another," he said, arguing that local officials are in a better position to make development decisions.

Levinson also questioned the cost of the state's continued oversight, claiming the takeover is being managed largely by outside attorneys.

"If you think they've taken it over by the goodness of their heart, you're wrong," he said. "They get paid substantially to run that city... The lawyers are running it from Trenton."

The county executive acknowledged ongoing frustrations over projects such as the long-delayed reconstruction of Atlantic Avenue, but said those problems should not be viewed solely as failures of local government.

Instead, Levinson argued that residents should recognize how much authority has shifted away from Atlantic City over the past decade.

"I want to say it again," he told listeners. "This city has been taken over by the State of New Jersey."

Levinson made the remarks during a wide-ranging interview that also touched on county infrastructure, Gardner's Basin, utility work on county roads, and his ongoing dispute with the Atlantic County Prosecutor.