The short- and longer-term initiatives of the master plan are to promote cleanliness, commercial development and safety, and were unveiled prior to the board vote. They included:
Creating a series of connected neighborhoods along Atlantic Avenue.
Improvements to Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi Avenues.
Making Gardner's Basin into an authentic waterfront experience.
Making Bader Field into a mixed-use residential area.
Developing new gaming and nongaming resorts, as well as a network of pedestrian and bicycle paths, within the Marina District.
In April, the CRDA approved boundaries for the tourism district, considered the centerpiece of Gov. Christie's proposed overhaul of Atlantic City to help boost tourism and gaming.
The boundaries are Albany Avenue to the west, New Hampshire Avenue to the east, and the Boardwalk to the south, incorporating Atlantic City Outlets - The Walk outdoor mall, the Atlantic City Convention Center, Bader Field, the Marina District, and historic Gardner's Basin.
The CRDA took control of the district, encompassing about 1,700 acres, May 1. Wednesday's vote was the culmination of months of fine-tuning the master plan, as required by state law.
Don Marrandino, Eastern Division president for Caesars Entertainment Inc., said, "The master planning for our destination is crucial to moving us forward. All of these shareholders, along with the casino industry and business district, want what is best for our city . . . supporting top-notch entertainment bookings at Boardwalk Hall, along with signature events and festivals, are some of what's key to our future success."
