The Voice Of Atlantic City: HAS ATLANTIC CITY TURNED THE CORNER?

The Atlantic City Beat presents a new feature called The Voice Of Atlantic City where we give you the opportunity to speak back.

We also may use and read some of your statements on our broadcast radio shows Weekend South Jersey heard at 6pm Saturday Evenings on FM 91.7 WLFR and also The Atlantic City Beat.com heard Sunday Mornings at 8am on FM 96.1 WTTH.




At the recent state of the city address Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian stated that Atlantic City is "turning the corner."

We were unable to get a response from the mayor, however we did reach out to several people with interests from members of the media , to business owners , to former residents that still visit and give back to the region.

Here was what they had to say.

Derrick Cason Chairman of the Tourism District Advisory Commission " It is my belief that Atlantic City has an enormous opportunity to reinvent itself right now. Atlantic City is in the process of becoming much more than just a casino town! I believe that we will begin to see growth in 2015 as former casino properties come back online in a number of capacities! The educational component being added by Stockton is huge, in my opinion, and the redevelopment of the Southeast Inlet will have an enormous impact on the region."



Whitney Ullman is an entertainment reporter for Fox 29 where she discusses Atlantic City. This was Ullman's response
 "We are definitely moving in the right direction. There are many projects in the works that will not only create a fun, exciting and safe environment, but will also move towards our goal of becoming a resort destination catering to all ages and demographics.

It's really exciting stuff! Unfortunately, it's sad when there is change and our friends are losing jobs. That is never good and quite frankly it's heartbreaking. But it comes to supply and demand, at some point something had to change. We had to hit the floor before we could rise back up to the top. With the restructuring and building there will be more jobs created moving forward."

Derek Brock is the owner and operator of Mutual Taxi and Limo one of Atlantic City's oldest business'. This was Mr. Brock's perspective.

"I wouldn't quite say that we've turned the corner just yet, however I will say that with the Showboat, Revel, and Atlantic Club being sold and the fact that the buyers are creating business opportunities outside of the casino industry is definitely a good thing and it's something that should've been done a long time ago. I believe that adding college students to the mix will generate more business for the city. Also Revel's plan to build a water park is a very aggressive idea and it adds the much needed family entertainment the everyone seems to agree is sorely needed. So I wouldn't go as far as to say that we've turned the corner, but rather we are turning the corner. One last thing I like to mention, is that I am very pleased to see the streets being paved which was also long overdue. For his first year in office I give mayor Don Guardian high marks for the efforts that he's making to improve the City of Atlantic City."

Jan is a former resident that still visits and has friends and family in the region. While she did not want to make a direct comment to the future of AC. Jan offered her in put of what type of people she would like to see have a hand in the future. "Visionaries are needed. The current plans and ideas sound really good. If he has not already done so, I hope that Gardian would consult with locals who still have vision for AC and are willing to put in the time (money) and sweat to move along AC to a new greatness."

 

NOW WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR VOICE!

 

 Do you think Atlantic City is on the way up?

 

Do you think AC is on The Way Out?

What is Your Vision For Atlantic City?

Can AC survive if it is no longer a "Casino City?"

 

Please respond here or at our facebook page or via email at TheAtlanticCityBeat@gmail.com.

 

Please keep in mind that we may read your response on the air.

If you do not want your name mentioned please let us know at the beginning of your statement.

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