Morano Says Norcross Redevelopment Must Deliver More Than a New Attraction for Atlantic City

New York City councilman says former Trump Plaza property could transform part of the resort but warns that the investment must benefit residents and businesses.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The purchase of the former Trump Plaza property by South Jersey political power broker George Norcross presents a major redevelopment opportunity for Atlantic City, but New York City Councilman Frank Morano says the public should demand transparency, a realistic construction timeline and economic benefits for local residents.

Speaking Monday on The AC Mike Lopez Show on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, Morano welcomed the acquisition while questioning whether the project will ultimately deliver jobs, support nearby businesses and help reduce Atlantic City's dependence on casino gambling.

"This could be one of the most exciting developments for Atlantic City in years, and I don't think that's an exaggeration," Morano said.

"But it also raises a lot of legitimate questions about political influence and about all sorts of other things, including whether the people who live, work, in my case, visit Atlantic City will actually benefit."

Norcross, members of his family and other investors recently acquired the former casino property from interests associated with billionaire Carl Icahn. The site, near Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Expressway entrance, has remained largely vacant since Trump Plaza was demolished in 2021.

No formal redevelopment plan or construction timetable has been announced.

Morano said the property offers an opportunity to diversify Atlantic City's economy as the resort faces increasing competition from other gambling destinations.

"Atlantic City's great historical mistake, you talk about it more than anybody, was becoming too dependent on gambling," Morano said.

He said he hopes the site eventually includes family attractions, entertainment, restaurants, shops and other businesses that generate year-round activity.

But Morano cautioned that the acquisition itself does not guarantee the property will be developed anytime soon.

"I'm fearful that the land could remain vacant for years," he said. "Buying a property isn't the same thing as developing it."

He also raised concerns about Norcross' longstanding political influence in South Jersey, saying any future requests for public financial assistance should receive careful scrutiny.

"That doesn't mean there's anything improper about anything going on here, but it does mean the public should be very vigilant about government subsidies, about tax abatements, about development approvals, and special treatment," Morano said.

Morano did not allege wrongdoing involving the purchase. His comments focused on transparency and public accountability as redevelopment plans move forward.

He said another priority should be ensuring that Atlantic City residents benefit through construction employment, permanent jobs, opportunities for small businesses and neighborhood improvements.

"Atlantic City's seen plenty of enormous investments over the decades, but not all of them have translated into prosperity for the people that actually live there," Morano said.

Lopez agreed that the property could help revitalize surrounding businesses, particularly the area connecting the Boardwalk, Boardwalk Hall and Tanger Outlets.

He said he had heard discussions about possible uses for the site but did not identify a confirmed development proposal.

Morano also connected the acquisition to broader concerns about Atlantic City's economy.

Citing a Stockton University analysis previously reported by South Jersey NewsBeat, he noted that restaurant and bar employment declined approximately 6% during the summer despite relatively strong tourism activity.

"A busy economy isn't necessarily a healthy economy and more tourists don't automatically mean more prosperity for working people," Morano said.

He argued that increased visitor traffic and casino revenue do not necessarily translate into more jobs, higher wages or stronger small businesses.

Morano urged economic development officials to place greater emphasis on employment, household prosperity and year-round economic activity when evaluating the resort's performance.

He also said Atlantic City should remain affordable for working-class families rather than becoming a destination primarily for wealthy tourists.

For now, the former Trump Plaza property remains one of the resort's most prominent redevelopment opportunities, with no publicly announced plan detailing what will be built, when construction could begin or whether government incentives will be sought.

Morano said the ultimate measure of success should extend beyond the appearance of a new attraction.

"I worry about a project that looks impressive but does very little for the surrounding community," he said.

While optimistic about the purchase, Morano said the project's long-term impact remains uncertain.

"It remains to be seen what exactly happens here," he said. "I want it to do well."

Frank Morano discussed the former Trump Plaza redevelopment and Atlantic City's economy during an October 26 appearance on The AC Mike Lopez Show, heard weekdays from noon to 1 p.m. on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.