Too much work means that I can’t finish the book review I was hoping to post today. So instead, here’s some gaming stuff. Revel has gotten approval to proceed with its AC mega-project, but there are some restrictions on the disposition of the Bader Field site. From the AC Press:
The Bader Field clause in the Revel agreement says “no new casino project will be allowed to commence construction on Bader Field until all applicable federal, state, county and municipal approvals, licenses and permits have been issued and there are committed funds for (a) new roadway connection.”
Revel included Bader Field in its discussion because officials believe significant development at the site would snarl traffic and as a result hurt casinos citywide.
While some have discussed a dedicated Atlantic City Expressway exit to the Bader Field site, the agreement does not specify one. However, should the city allow a project to start at the 140-acre bayside tract without the proper roadwork in place, it would have to pay Revel $60 million in damages.
….
– Developers plan to begin major construction by May 3 at the 20-acre site, finishing up no later than May 2012. The company has said it is shooting for the second half of 2010.– Nothing about Garden Pier, the storm-lashed, city-owned pier. It is adjacent to the project and is home to the Atlantic City Art Center and Historical Museum. This is expected to be the topic of further negotiations.
– The project area will be renamed “Revel Beach” and city signs would indicate the new name.
– City officials will work with the state and Casino Reinvestment Development Authority on a comprehensive city traffic plan.
– The city must pass a packet of resolutions and ordinances in the next three months that significantly widen streets between Absecon Boulevard and the new casino site. Road-widening would start at Absecon Boulevard between Maryland and Delaware avenues before proceeding to Melrose Avenue between Delaware and Connecticut avenues and Connecticut between Melrose and Oriental avenues.
– The newly widened Connecticut Avenue would be renamed Revel Boulevard.
– The road projects would simplify the five-way intersection at Absecon Boulevard and Mediterranean, Melrose and Delaware avenues. It would close Delaware Avenue north and Mediterranean Avenue west of the intersection.
This is good news for the city, although “Revel Boulevard” will take some getting used to.