TRENTON

— More than 30 years ago, casino doors flung open in Atlantic City — a jubilant celebration of the first big gaming destination in the eastern United States.

Today, Gov. Chris Christie will tell New Jerseyans a special commission he appointed has found that crime, incompetent local government and ferocious competition leave him no choice but to take over the Atlantic City casino and entertainment district in order to save it.

And he really means takeover.

Almost all municipal powers, everything from policing to garbage pickup, would be run by the state.

But first, he will step to the 50-yard line of the New Meadowlands Stadium, where he will say the state will not take the same gamble on its moribund horse racing industry. The same commission that wants to save Atlantic City says the state should privatize horse racing and turn the once formidable New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority into a mere landlord.

Details of the commission’s findings were first reported Wednesday by The Star-Ledger on NJ.com.

Reaction to the unprecedented plan was swift.

More coverage:



• Atlantic City officials, gamblers have mixed reactions on N.J. takeover of the casino district

• Christie's proposal may lead to Meadowlands, Monmouth Park racetracks sale, closure

• Atlantic City: Timeline of events since casino gambling became legal

• N.J. Gov. Christie plans takeover of Atlantic City casino district, sale of Meadowlands Racetrack

• Atlantic City casinos have been struggling to compete with gambling in surrounding states

• N.J. has a history of state takeovers of local governments, agencies

• N.J. Gov. Christie plans takeover of Atlantic City casino district, sale of Meadowlands Racetrack

• N.J. gaming industry massive overhaul: Winners & Losers

• N.J. has a history of state takeovers of local governments, agencies

"It certainly is bold, and I give him marks for that, because we really need to do something," said state Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May). "We can’t just let Atlantic City die a slow death."

But Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) was stunned, and said New Jersey was not adequately fighting back against competition from surrounding states.

"It’s been nothing short of devastating," he said. "We haven’t done anything ... other than to circle the wagons and just allow the revenue base to Atlantic City to continually erode."

A spokesman for the governor declined comment Wednesday, but a statement from his office Wednesday night said Christie will spell out a "blueprint for a strong sport and entertainment industry."

Among the recommendations contained in the report, which was reviewed by the newspaper:

• The state would seek to transform Atlantic City into a convention and family friendly resort, including a major expansion of the boardwalk that would include amusement rides. The entertainment areas would be placed under the control of a new state authority, essentially turning it into an independent city within a city.

• Money from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, now shared throughout the state, would stay in Atlantic City for projects and improvements there.

• The Meadowlands Racetrack could be sold for a token $1, or turned into an off-track wagering facility without live horse racing.

• The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority would be all but disbanded, becoming simply a landlord for the facilities it now operates. The Izod Center arena in the Meadowlands could be privatized or sold.

• The state would help re-finance the long-stalled Xanadu project in the Meadowlands, enabling a new developer to take control of the garish, high-visibility retail and entertainment complex alongside the New Jersey Turnpike that many consider an embarrassment.