Atlantic City takeover brings Camden to mind

By Matt Katz, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: July 21, 2010

At first blush, a takeover of Atlantic City's casino district calls to mind the state's 2002 takeover of another struggling New Jersey city - Camden.

But there are significant differences between the plan that Gov. Christie will outline for the gaming resort on Wednesday, according to published reports, and former Gov. McGreevey's far-reaching effort, which ended in January after failing to succeed at revitalization.

In Camden, the state seized political control, which is apparently not happening in Atlantic City. Political and budgetary decisions in Camden were ultimately the governor's, with a gubernatorially appointed Camden chief operating officer holding more powers than a mayor would and earning a salary that eventually exceeded the governor's. The operating officer could appoint school board members and overrule almost any move by Camden's mayor and City Council members.

In Atlantic City, according to the Newark Star-Ledger, which obtained a copy of the governor's plans, only a portion of the city - the gaming district - would become a ward of the state.

Christie would assume control of municipal functions such as trash pickup, traffic, and police protection, according to the newspaper report. In Camden, the operations of daily government were mostly unaffected.

Also notably absent is any carrot for the people of Atlantic City. As a way to sell the 2002 takeover to Camden's residents, $175 million in grants and loans were promised for city redevelopment.

Most of that money went to large institutions and, according to statistics, failed to improve residents' lives. Camden remains one of the poorest and most dangerous cities in the nation. Some of the redevelopment money remains unspent by an appointed Economic Recovery Board.

There appear to be similarities in the impetus for the takeover, however. It is being driven, according to the reports, partly by the reluctance of companies and others to invest in the city because of a perception that it is unsafe. Such concerns existed, and continue to exist, in Camden.

Contact staff writer Matt Katz

at 856-779-3919 or mkatz@phillynews.com.

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