Paladino said it represents a long-term interest in the city from the college and private developers beyond the initial $220 million investment in new facilities for both Stockton and South Jersey Gas.

“It’s another step in the right direction for Atlantic City,” he said.

Mayor Frank Gilliam Jr., whose elected position grants him a seat on the CRDA board, said it was always the intention to have the university expand once it had secured a foothold in the city.

“The state of New Jersey, as well as the city of Atlantic City, looks at Stockton University as an anchor institution,” said Gilliam. “I don’t think this is one of those projects that is going to meet any opposition.”

“AC Devco has been instrumental in developing and moving the Atlantic City Gateway Project forward,” said CRDA Executive Director Matt Doherty. “Stockton continues to make a positive impact with their expanding presence in the Atlantic City Tourism District.”

Kesselman applauded AC Devco on its work with the first phase of the Gateway project. He said his long-term vision for Stockton in Atlantic City is to expand north and west, but that it is all dependent on strategic planning, including factoring in demand for academic programs, feasible growth and financing.