Levinson, Polistina and Atlantic County Lawmakers Unite Against Meadowlands Convention Center Proposal

Atlantic County executive calls on South Jersey legislators to fight the multibillion-dollar North Jersey project, arguing that New Jersey should invest in Atlantic City's existing convention facilities instead.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson is joining forces with state Sen. Vince Polistina and other South Jersey lawmakers to oppose a proposed multibillion-dollar convention center in the Meadowlands, warning that the project could threaten Atlantic City's economy and the jobs that depend on its convention and tourism industries.

The developing alliance is particularly notable because Levinson and Polistina have experienced significant political differences in recent years. But the two Republicans, along with Assemblyman Don Guardian and Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan, are finding common ground in their opposition to a major new convention facility in North Jersey.

During a November 10 appearance on The Don Williams Show on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, Levinson delivered some of his strongest criticism yet of the Meadowlands proposal, arguing that state officials should concentrate on improving Atlantic City's existing facilities rather than spending billions to create potential competition.

"They cannot have a 300,000-square-foot convention center in the Meadowlands," Levinson told Williams.

"Don't waste the $3 million in studying it and don't waste the $3 billion in building it. Build up Atlantic City. We don't even have Wi-Fi in our convention center, Don."

Levinson's remarks came as proponents of the Meadowlands project announced a new push to advance the development through a state-supervised planning and financing process.

The county executive's concerns are shared by members of Atlantic County's legislative delegation, who argue that Atlantic City's convention industry should receive greater state investment before New Jersey considers building another major convention destination.

Political Differences Set Aside to Protect Atlantic City

In a separate statement reported Wednesday by WPG Talk Radio, Levinson explicitly identified Polistina, Guardian and Rowan as partners in opposing the Meadowlands project.

"Senator Polistina, Assemblyman Guardian and Assemblywoman Rowan and I have found common cause," Levinson said. "We will fight the proposed Meadowlands convention center with one voice."

Polistina expressed similar concerns, warning that a new North Jersey convention center could undermine Atlantic City's existing tourism and convention economy.

"New Jersey must bolster its investment into the Atlantic City Convention Center and surrounding area if we are to continue as the premier destination for conventions on the east coast," Polistina said in the statement reported by WPG.

"Cannibalizing the market with a convention center at the Meadowlands would be detrimental to this region, to jobs in Atlantic County, to our families dependent on those jobs, and ultimately to the state as a whole."

The senator argued that New Jersey should reinvest in Atlantic City after decades of revenue generated by the resort's gaming and tourism industries.

For Levinson and Polistina, the issue represents an area of agreement despite their previous political disagreements.

The alliance also brings together Atlantic County's Republican legislative delegation and county leadership around a shared economic concern.

Levinson Calls on Lawmakers to Fight

During his WOND interview, Levinson specifically challenged Atlantic County's legislative representatives to take a more aggressive public position.

He named Polistina, Guardian and Rowan as officials who should be leading the fight.

"It is Maureen who I had met with. It is Vince Polistina, Don Guardian, and they got to start making noise and fighting for this area," Levinson said.

"They're nice people, but they have to stand up and be heard."

Williams asked Levinson how he expected South Jersey to stop the development if state officials decided to proceed.

Levinson said he hoped lawmakers and other state leaders would recognize the potential economic consequences.

"I am hoping people of goodwill understand the devastation that will occur down here," he said.

The county executive argued that elected officials must be willing to challenge decisions they believe would hurt their constituents.

"And that's what our people have to do. They have to stand up," Levinson said.

His comments came one day before the public statements confirming the common opposition among the four Atlantic County officials.

Meadowlands Proposal Could Cost More Than $4 Billion

The proposed development would be constructed at the former Meadowlands Arena site in East Rutherford, near the American Dream entertainment and shopping complex.

Plans call for approximately 460,000 square feet of convention, meeting and ballroom space, including a 300,000-square-foot exhibition hall.

The broader development would also include a multipurpose entertainment venue, a 1,000-room hotel and associated transportation, parking and infrastructure improvements.

While Levinson referred to the project as a $3 billion development, updated estimates from its proponents now place the total cost between $3.8 billion and $4.25 billion.

On November 9, the Meadowlands Chamber and Meadowlands 2040 Foundation announced that they had presented Gov. Mikie Sherrill's administration with a proposal for the next phase of planning.

That phase would cost an estimated $2.7 million to $3.8 million and involve a state-supervised review of financing, engineering, environmental requirements and operational considerations.

Supporters are seeking the creation of a working group appointed by the governor to evaluate the project.

The proposal has not received final construction or financing approval.

Project supporters estimate that the development could attract approximately 2 million visitors annually, create more than 3,700 permanent jobs and generate $30.4 billion in economic activity over the long term.

Those figures are projections developed as part of the project's planning process, not guaranteed economic results.

Meadowlands Supporters Say They Are Not Trying to Hurt Atlantic City

Proponents of the Meadowlands convention center dispute the argument that the project would necessarily take business away from Atlantic City.

Jim Kirkos, president and CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber, has argued that the proposed facility would primarily compete for conventions and corporate events that currently go to New York City or other destinations outside New Jersey.

Supporters say the Meadowlands' proximity to Manhattan, major highways, airports and existing entertainment attractions would allow New Jersey to capture business it is currently losing.

Kirkos has also expressed support for additional state investment in Atlantic City's convention facilities.

"We're in this together," Kirkos said in comments reported by BINJE. "When we work together as a state, good things happen."

The Meadowlands proposal's supporters argue that both regions could benefit from a broader strategy to attract more conventions to New Jersey.

Atlantic County officials remain concerned that the new facility could compete for some of the same events and public investment dollars.

The central disagreement is whether the proposed development would expand New Jersey's overall convention market or redirect business and resources away from Atlantic City.

Atlantic City's Convention Center Needs Investment

Levinson's opposition comes amid ongoing concerns about the condition of the Atlantic City Convention Center and the uncertain future of the adjoining Sheraton hotel.

The Convention Center has nearly 500,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space and is an important source of business for Atlantic City's hotels, restaurants, casinos and service providers.

According to Visit Atlantic City, the resort hosted 205 meetings, conventions and trade shows in 2025, drawing more than 533,000 attendees and generating an estimated $362.3 million in economic impact.

But local officials have warned that aging infrastructure and questions about the Sheraton's future could weaken the city's ability to compete for major events.

Levinson repeatedly raised the issue of inadequate technology during his interview.

"We don't even have Wi-Fi in our convention center, Don," he said.

He later returned to the subject.

"You're not going to get a first-class convention coming in if they can't communicate with their business," Levinson said.

His statements reflect his criticism of the facility's technology. The specific extent of Wi-Fi availability and any planned upgrades has not been independently established.

Guardian, a former Atlantic City mayor, has previously warned that the Convention Center needs a first-class hotel with approximately 500 rooms physically connected to the facility.

The Sheraton currently has approximately 500 rooms, but its owner has proposed a redevelopment that would reduce the hotel inventory while converting part of the property into age-restricted housing.

Guardian has argued that losing those rooms could make Atlantic City less attractive to convention planners.

The concerns about the Sheraton, Convention Center modernization and potential Meadowlands competition have become closely connected in discussions about Atlantic City's economic future.

Rowan Introduces Legislation to Protect Atlantic City's Interests

Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan has also taken legislative action addressing the potential effects of a Meadowlands development.

Assembly Bill 5408, introduced September 10, would require a comprehensive economic impact study before state subsidies could be awarded to certain Meadowlands sports and entertainment projects.

The study would examine potential effects on Atlantic City's Convention Center, including tourism, employment and regional competitiveness.

The legislation would also authorize up to $50 million in financial assistance, subject to appropriation, for improvements and modernization at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

The proposal provides a concrete legislative approach to the concerns raised by Levinson, Polistina and Guardian.

It would not automatically prohibit construction of a Meadowlands convention center, but it would require additional scrutiny of the potential consequences for Atlantic City before certain state financial assistance could be approved.

The bill remains a proposal and has not become law.

Levinson Optimistic About Sherrill, but Wants Action

Despite his criticism of the Meadowlands proposal, Levinson expressed optimism about working with Gov. Mikie Sherrill's administration.

His remarks followed George Norcross' November 9 appearance on Off The Press with Scott Cronick, during which Norcross discussed a potential comprehensive Atlantic City revitalization initiative involving the governor, Mayor Marty Small and Levinson.

Asked whether he was aware of the developing effort, Levinson acknowledged that discussions had occurred but expressed frustration with years of planning that had not always produced results.

"They've been working on things. They've been having meetings," Levinson said.

"They've been doing this and doing that. Get it done. Pull the trigger."

Levinson said he had already met with the governor's chief of staff.

"I've had conversations with the chief of staff. They went extraordinarily well," he said.

"She came to my office. We spoke for about two hours."

He also spoke favorably about Norcross, with whom he said he had overcome longstanding political differences.

"George is a catalyst," Levinson said. "We were political enemies for quite some time. And now we're personal friends."

Levinson suggested that Norcross' involvement could help move the redevelopment discussion beyond preliminary meetings.

"And he may be the impetus on why the state now is doing more than just talking," Levinson said.

The county executive emphasized that he wants Atlantic County to be treated fairly as the state considers major economic development investments.

"All we want is a partner. And we want to be treated fairly here," he said.

"I'm very, very confident in Governor Sherrill until I see otherwise. But right now, yes, I'm a fan of hers. And I want to work with her."

A Major Economic Decision for New Jersey

The debate over the Meadowlands proposal comes as Atlantic City seeks to strengthen its position as a year-round convention and entertainment destination.

For Levinson, Polistina, Guardian and Rowan, the concern is that a major new convention center in North Jersey could weaken the state's existing investment in Atlantic City.

Supporters of the Meadowlands project believe the development would capture additional convention business from the New York metropolitan market and expand economic activity statewide.

The Sherrill administration now faces competing requests: a proposal to advance planning for the Meadowlands facility and calls from South Jersey officials to invest in Atlantic City's existing convention infrastructure.

For Levinson, the choice is clear.

"Let's put our concentration here," he told Williams.

The question now is whether the shared opposition from Atlantic County's elected officials will influence the state's next steps.

Dennis Levinson made his comments during the November 10 edition of The Don Williams Show, airing weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND. Additional reporting includes public statements from state Sen. Vince Polistina and Levinson, state legislative records and information released by the Meadowlands project's proponents.