Polistina Says Atlantic City Must Continue Investing in Entertainment, Development and Casinos

ATLANTIC CITY — State Sen. Vince Polistina says Atlantic City's future depends on continued investment in major attractions such as Boardwalk Hall while protecting the city's casino industry from growing competition.

During an appearance on WOND's Off The Press with Scott Cronick, Polistina praised the announcement that Phish will return to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall for a three-night concert run this October, calling it another example of the city's ability to attract major entertainment acts.

"The fact that Phish is going to do three shows here tells you what they think of the market and the ability to bring people into Atlantic City," Polistina said. "That's going to bring a lot of people here in October, which is great for all of us."

He said attracting concerts, conventions and other special events will become increasingly important as Atlantic City competes with neighboring states for tourism dollars.

"We need to really focus on that," he said. "Atlantic City has the Boardwalk, the beach, fabulous restaurants and everything people need. It's a great place to host these events."

Polistina also said Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center will require significant investment over the coming years to remain competitive.

"There are some improvements needed to Boardwalk Hall," he said. "We need some pretty significant investment over the next few years for us to continue doing what we're doing."

The senator also reiterated his opposition to expanding casino gambling into North Jersey, arguing that Atlantic City cannot afford additional in-state competition.

"We cannot compete with ourselves," Polistina said. "There's just no scenario where the State of New Jersey can compete with itself from a gaming or convention center standpoint."

Looking beyond gaming, Polistina said redevelopment efforts continue throughout the region, including discussions about the future of the former Shore Mall property.

He said county offices remain one possibility for portions of the site, while traffic improvements currently being designed could help attract major retailers such as Costco.

"When we get that traffic project done, I think you'll see a lot of the big-box retailers start to look at these areas," Polistina said.

Despite challenges facing the casino industry from online gaming, prediction markets and increasing regional competition, Polistina said Atlantic City remains well-positioned for long-term success if leaders continue investing in infrastructure, healthcare, aviation and tourism.

"Now is the time," he said. "We have tremendous opportunity here, but we've got to make the investments into this region that are necessary — Boardwalk Hall, the Convention Center, traffic improvements, airport improvements — everything is necessary, and now is the time that it must happen."