Will the recently closed Taj Mahal Casino soon reopen with new name? We think so. It’s a nice scenario that’s much better than seeing that gargantuan property sit and rot like the Plaza and Atlantic Club have for so long.
But some, like State Sen. Sweeney warn that TAJ owner; Carl Icahn is just union busting. Sweeney has proposed legislation to thwart Icahn’s potential for “warehousing” the casino license for a short time….and then reopen with reduced wages for workers.
Icahn, along with Tony Rodio his manager, claim Unite Here Local 54 members were killing any chance to profitability.
According to the Press of Atlantic City, Icahn might find it easy to reopen….even with a totally new staff… since the property’s casino license would remain in effect and valid following closing until it is surrendered through a Division of Gaming Enforcement order. Typically, casino license surrender can take place several months after closure of a property.
This closure and whisper of a future re-opening of TAJ comes on the heels of recent deal between Blatstein’s Showboat and Icahn. Seem like Carl is cool with Bart running the Showboat as a non-casino. Mr. Icahn was not so amenable to having Stockton University holding classes right next door.
With a rejuvenated TAJ, a spiffy hotel by Blatstein, and a likely grand re-opening of TEN / REVEL in early 2017, that end of the Boardwalk will give the TROP side of the Boards a real run for it’s money. We love competition, it breeds greatness.
Personally, we also love the location of TEN / REVEL as it allows visitors to avoid the mid-town congestion of Atlantic City. TEN / REVEL is arguably one of the finest properties in AC. It’s barely broken in. With a little reconfiguration…a little nip & tuck…and maybe a tweak to the acrophobia-inducing escalator…TEN / REVEL is exactly what AC needs for a blockbuster 2017.
NOTE: By having TEN / REVEL as a premium anchor business at the northern side / Inlet side of the Boardwalk…. this will no doubt boost traffic to Steel Pier, Showboat, a new TAJ, and development within the inlet and lighthouse districts. Add to that a new Boardwalk to Gardners Pier, and you got yourself a real winner there.