Economy

Amidst All Its Splendor, Atlantic City May Go Under

Douglas A. McIntyre

Published: March 22, 2016 6:44 am

Last Updated: January 13, 2020 11:41 am

According to Atlantic City’s description of itself, it is one of the best places in the world to visit or live. On the other hand, Mayor Don Guardian says it won’t be able to operate in three weeks. Which one is it? The answer is that the city has been hopelessly crippled for a long time and cannot recover on its own.

In an official note on the Atlantic City website, Guardian wrote:

Atlantic City offers something for everyone. From the boardwalk to the bay, our great city has become a world-class destination and a “must see” attraction for millions of visitors annually. From fine dining and entertainment, to a wide array of shopping and, of course, casino excitement…we’re “always turned on”!

Furthermore, Atlantic City is also a great place to live with stable neighborhoods and proud citizens who truly care for their community. As Mayor, it is my goal to unite Atlantic City and make a positive difference in the lives of others. The City of Atlantic City is concerned with improving the quality of life of our citizens. We also encourage development and support a partnership between business, industry, government and community.

In reality, Atlantic City is more like Pontiac or Flint, Mich. Too many businesses have left. The population has become poorer and poorer. The tax base has been decimated and essential services crippled. Guardian sent out an email that reflects the city’s desperation:

The target date for a shutdown is April 8. The city may receive some tax revenue on May 2 which would tide it over. That won’t manage much. The spiral is relentlessly down. The state will not give Atlantic City money, unless it can takeover the city’s operations.

Atlantic City has run out of operating funds. It will not be able to pay its police or fireman. The problems have their roots in the casinos that have been shuttered and the effects of Hurricane Sandy. The path to a state takeover started years ago. Like Flint and Pontiac, Atlantic City just would not accept that.