Senator Vince Polistina and Assemblyman Don Guardian, both representing Atlantic County, have announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at returning planning and zoning authority solely to the City of Atlantic City. Since 2011, development projects in the city’s Tourism District have required approval from both the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and city officials. Additionally, since 2016, Atlantic City has operated under state oversight due to the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act (MSRA).
“When the takeover under MSRA began, the goal was for the State to help Atlantic City manage its financial challenges and avoid repeating past mistakes while building the capacity for self-governance,” said Senator Vince Polistina. “We cannot consider extending any takeover without a clear path toward restoring core municipal functions, particularly the City’s ability to manage its own planning and zoning.”
Assemblyman Don Guardian, who previously served as Mayor of Atlantic City, expressed support for increasing local responsibility within MSRA guidelines while easing restrictions established by S-11, which created the tourism district.
“Planning and zoning are key responsibilities of any local government,” Guardian said. “Through different agencies and programs, the State has poured millions of dollars into Atlantic City in recent years to attract private investment. The builders are here, they want to build, and they should be evaluated on the merits of their proposals by city residents — now re-enfranchised — who sit on these local governing boards.”
Senator Polistina emphasized that planning and zoning are currently managed by CRDA staff but argued that a change would allow CRDA to focus more on major redevelopment efforts.
“The CRDA has incredibly qualified staff, brought on board to handle major redevelopment projects. By allowing them to concentrate on reinvestment and redevelopment, the entire city benefits,” Polistina added. “Major projects like the transformation of Renaissance Plaza demonstrate where CRDA works best, while allowing Atlantic City to resume responsibility for core municipal functions.”
Polistina and Guardian also anticipate forming a working group including members of the second district legislative delegation, city and county officials, representatives from CRDA, and other stakeholders. This group will discuss ongoing state involvement in Atlantic City while working towards increased reinvestment in the area and developing a plan for returning full control over municipal functions back to local authorities. Senator Polistina, Assemblyman Guardian, and Assemblywoman Swift have stated their commitment to collaborating with regional partners as part of this process.
