Atlantic City, New Jersey Is ‘Fixable’ [Opinion – Editorial]

Atlantic City, New Jersey has reinvented itself many times since being incorporated on May 1, 1854.

Critical Tipping Point For Atlantic City

We've been here before. For example, right after the 1964 Democratic National Convention, held in Atlantic City.

It was a disaster. The City of Atlantic City failed to deliver. The national media savaged Atlantic City, which went into a deep slump … until the advent of legalized casino gambling, approved in a 1976 referendum.

Atlantic City was fixable then and it is still fixable now.

Resorts International Hotel & Casino

Opened on May 26, 1978. The success of Resorts led to more than three decades of unbridled growth for the Atlantic City casino jurisdiction.

Atlantic City’s first casino continues to successfully operate to this day as Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City.

This Photo (Below) Had Not Been Seen In More Than 44 Years

This iconic photo had only been published exactly one time, on May 27, 1978. It has not been seen since, until now.

The photo was taken by Gregg Kohl, who is one of the most respected and talented photographers in Atlantic City history.

Never reported until now, Kohl came excruciatingly close to missing this great photo shot.

Here is a link to the amazing story behind this photo, which was the first color photo ever published in The Atlantic City Press.

Read More: The Story Behind Iconic Atlantic City Photo Not Seen In 44 Years

Proliferation Of Casino Gaming Across America

Atlantic City, New Jersey held a casino monopoly of The East for decades. That is no longer the case.

New York City casinos are coming. This will be the biggest challenge that the Atlantic City casino jurisdiction has faced since Pennsylvania opened casinos when Rivers Casino Philadelphia opened on September 23, 2010.

Atlantic City Police Department Is A Big Key

You cannot overstate how important the Atlantic City Police Department is regarding a new Atlantic City revival.

Atlantic City must be safe in order to maintain its position as a world class destination resort.

Under the direction of Police Chief Jim Sarkos, things are starting to improve.

Atlantic City almost made it half way through 2025 without a shooting death. There have been two shooting deaths over the past several weeks.

But, a positive trend in the safety front is beginning to emerge.

Casino Reinvestment Development Authority & Visit Atlantic City

These two agencies are critical in the future success of Atlantic City.

Eric Scheffler, Executive Director of the NJ CRDA is as local as you can get. He understands how important the current tipping point is for Atlantic City.

Gary Musich is the President of Visit Atlantic City. This agency has done a fabulous job in bringing conventions and trade shows to Atlantic City.

Now, they are also in the special events business.

Here is a link to a number of great special events that begin next week:

Read More: WPG App & Schedule For July 16, 2025 Atlantic City, NJ, Airshow

Here Are Direct Links To All Of The Great, Fast-Approaching Atlantic City Events

https://www.visitatlanticcity.com/soarandshorefestival/

https://www.visitatlanticcity.com/event/jimmy-johnson%e2%80%99s-atlantic-city-%e2%80%9cquest-for-the-ring%e2%80%9d-championship-fishing-week/5791/

https://www.visitatlanticcity.com/event/espns-slippery-stairs/5973/

https://www.visitatlanticcity.com/event/second-annual-car-show-and-silent-movie/5974/