Fulop supports Sweeney's casino idea

[fasteddie]

Casino aside, Formula One racing? Is Fulop out of his mind?? Near a wildlife habitat and public park where people go to relax? And near where people live? Has he considered the sound pollution?

Formula One is more boring than soccer. If it is Monster Trucks or nitro burning dragsters, I'm all for it. You would be too, Sue, admit it.

[Rabelais]

As I've said, a self imposed tax on the poor. Completely predatory.

Gaming the Poor

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/21/gaming-the-poor/

"A research team from the University at Buffalo and SUNY Buffalo State has conducted studies that offer new evidence of the exploitative effects of casino gambling on lower-income Americans. For example, the researchers found that the rates of casino gambling participation and frequency of visits have increased among lower-income groups. Easy access to casinos is a key factor. Living within 10 miles of one or more casinos more than doubles the rate of problems from excessive gambling. Another factor is easy access to slot-machine gambling. Women and the elderly have become more likely to gamble in recent years, partly because of a preference for nonskill slot-machine gambling."

[devb]

Gaming the Poor

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/21/gaming-the-poor/

"A research team from the University at Buffalo and SUNY Buffalo State has conducted studies that offer new evidence of the exploitative effects of casino gambling on lower-income Americans. For example, the researchers found that the rates of casino gambling participation and frequency of visits have increased among lower-income groups. Easy access to casinos is a key factor. Living within 10 miles of one or more casinos more than doubles the rate of problems from excessive gambling. Another factor is easy access to slot-machine gambling. Women and the elderly have become more likely to gamble in recent years, partly because of a preference for nonskill slot-machine gambling."

[Bobblehead]

So then the casino plan was know of when this went down: http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2014/05/jersey_city_councilman_wants_to_halt_sale_of_city_property_seized_by_eminent_domain.html

Interesting to see what that property sold for, to whom, and what becomes of it.

[Bobblehead]

He runs over to get a picture with Justin Timberlake. Can't tell us what's up, though.

[devb]

+1 Sue.

Not to mention that he's been discussing this for 9 months and this is the first we're hearing about it. He mentioned the property has already been acquired.

[Sue2dRescue]

Casino aside, Formula One racing? Is Fulop out of his mind?? Near a wildlife habitat and public park where people go to relax? And near where people live? Has he considered the sound pollution? Good luck, Greenville. At least those of us who live Downtown will be able to leave the park when the racetrack sounds remind us of what we're trying to escape by being there in the first place. Best stock up on ear plugs now.

"'When companies or investors lay out a... plan like that — an expensive, massive project — it very possibly can work,' Caputo said." Possibly??!!! That's it??? Possibly???!?!  What a hell of a lot to risk on "possibly."

Does Fulop even know what city he's mayor of?? Is he trying to nurture this place, preserve its charm, and improve the quality of life for all residents?

This is utter assholery. I voted for Fulop to make this city a better place. All of it. For everyone who lives here. Wildlife included. I am saddened, disappointed, baffled, and beside myself.

[devb]

Fulop on WCBS 880 AM this afternoon, being a Debbie Dickface.

https://soundcloud.com/steve-scott/skyscraper-casino-and-f1

[Bobblehead]

Why do we have to think big? Why can't we do small and medium size things right?

Oh, wait, because those small and medium size things typically don't have campaign contributions attached to them.

[jehu]

“You’ve got to think big,” said Mayor Steven Fulop of Jersey City, adding that he had been discussing the project with Mr. Fireman for eight months.

I wonder if this was on any of his schedules that were being requested under FOIA.

And he is in office for 4 months and he is getting ready to sell out JC.

I hate to tell you I told you so. But........

It just amazes me how each new politician gets suckered in by this big-money horseshit.

You can only believe the Mayor is being suckered if you also believe he cares about doing what’s best for the people.  Sure, casinos create lots of jobs but c’mon now, he knows as well as any educated person that the vast majority of these “opportunities” are low wage, dead-end jobs (once design and construction is completed, that is).  They’re not good for the economy, they’re not good for the community, and they sure as Hell aren’t good for the individual.

I was giving him the benefit of the doubt.

This is revealing: http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000033668

[Bobblehead]

It just amazes me how each new politician gets suckered in by this big-money horseshit.

You can only believe the Mayor is being suckered if you also believe he cares about doing what’s best for the people.  Sure, casinos create lots of jobs but c’mon now, he knows as well as any educated person that the vast majority of these “opportunities” are low wage, dead-end jobs (once design and construction is completed, that is).  They’re not good for the economy, they’re not good for the community, and they sure as Hell aren’t good for the individual.

I was giving him the benefit of the doubt.

This is revealing: http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000033668

[Frank M]

It just amazes me how each new politician gets suckered in by this big-money horseshit.

You can only believe the Mayor is being suckered if you also believe he cares about doing what’s best for the people.  Sure, casinos create lots of jobs but c’mon now, he knows as well as any educated person that the vast majority of these “opportunities” are low wage, dead-end jobs (once design and construction is completed, that is).  They’re not good for the economy, they’re not good for the community, and they sure as Hell aren’t good for the individual. 

[devb]

Fulop taking comments on twitter:

https://twitter.com/StevenFulop/status/487243175543975939

[Bobblehead]

Meanwhile, the NYTimes reports how is all dreamy-eyed about this ridiculous project.

It just amazes me how each new politician gets suckered in by this big-money horseshit.

[Bobblehead]

Give me a good reason other than sanctimonious bleating. And poor returns aren't a given -- that's a product of negotiation with the local government.

Sanctimonious bleating? You think I am basing my argument on moral superiority?

The benefits of casinos primarily go to corporate.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/06/11/atlantic-city-casinos-money-squandered/2412791/

The actual jobs created are not all that high paying, they are like hotel service-level jobs, mostly.

The problems it can introduce to communities have been studied. Particularly when they are situated next to low-income neighborhoods, they can exacerbate social problems like gambling addiction, drug use, and crime.

Hey, I got an idea, why don't we have a dog track, too?

Why don't you give me a good idea as to why we should invite an industry like casino gambling into Jersey City?

Bumping this article, because it paints an accurate picture of what happens when casinos move in.

[Bobblehead]

More food for thought: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/20/nyregion/atlantic-city-casino-owner-files-for-bankruptcy-protection.html?_r=0

[stephen]

Food for thought:  http://www.christianitytoday.com/thisisourcity/detroit/why-casinos-are-bad-for-your-city.html

[jehu]

+100000000000000

Because casino gambling and car racing are what distinguishes world-class cities.

This is pretty shameless shilling for gubernatorial campaign money. 

Oh, we can call it Xanadu II. . . .

[Bobblehead]

Because casino gambling and car racing are what distinguishes world-class cities.

This is pretty shameless shilling for gubernatorial campaign money. 

Oh, we can call it Xanadu II. . . .

[MÇA]

A casino in Jersey City? Venture capitalist wants to make it happen
By Matt Friedman/The Star-Ledger
on July 08, 2014 at 8:21 PM, updated July 08, 2014 at 8:40 PM

TRENTON — A venture capitalist from Massachusetts has been quietly meeting with leading New Jersey politicians in recent months, pushing a proposal for a casino and hotel rising 95 floors above New York Harbor.

The $4.6 billion project would also feature residences, a 107,500-seat motor sports stadium and what is billed as the largest Ferris wheel in the world.

But there’s one catch — it would not be in Atlantic City, the only city where New Jersey has allowed gambling since its legalization almost 40 years ago. Rather, it would rise in Jersey City, with sweeping views of Manhattan and sit almost eyeball to eyeball with the new 104-story World Trade Center just across the harbor.

"I’m excited about the potential for a world-class facility that includes a casino, hotel and convention center as well as the largest ferris wheel in the world all located next to the best park in New Jersey," Mayor Steve Fulop said. "I still need more information regarding the racetrack to be confident it will not harm Liberty State Park. This development would create 25,000 jobs and over $5 billion of investment, which would be one of the largest construction projects in the United States."

Even a former mayor of Atlantic City, state Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic), accepted the inevitability of the project, or one like it.

"I’m sure there are a lot of people who will take me to task for daring to even consider casinos outside of Atlantic City," Whelan said. "I’d love to be wrong, but I think that’s the reality of where we are."

The man behind the proposal is Paul Fireman, a former chief executive of Reebok who runs Fireman Capital Partners in Boston, and whose wealth Forbes placed in 2006 at $1.1 billion.

Fireman has met with several lawmakers about his proposal, according to two who provided details to The Star-Ledger. But Fireman himself did not return calls and emails seeking comment.

"It’s huge," said state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), who has met with Fireman. "It has the wow factor ... It will blow away Macau as a destination place for gaming."

According to the lawmakers, the casino would be situated near the waterfront, next to the Liberty National Golf Course, which Fireman built in 2006.

Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D-Essex), a former casino executive and chairman of the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and Arts Committee, said he, too, had discussed the project with Fireman.

"When companies or investors lay out a... plan like that — an expensive, massive project — it very possibly can work," Caputo said.

The proposal is in its infancy, and many of the details — including how it would connect with NJ Transit’s nearby light rail system — were not available. But mega projects — like the trouble-plagued American Dream, formerly known as Xanadu — often don’t end up as originally planned, if at all.

Then there’s the huge obstacle in its path: Opening a casino anywhere outside Atlantic City would require the approval of New Jersey voters to amend the state constitution.

In 2011, Gov. Chris Christie and lawmakers put a five-year plan in place to revive Atlantic City, which began hemorrhaging profits once casinos started opening in neighboring states. And despite an infusion of money from the state, the resort is still struggling, with two casinos closing their doors so far this year and another filing for bankruptcy.

Christie and Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), after years steadfastly refusing to allow casino gambling anywhere else in the state, are starting to relent.

Sweeney said last week he was willing to consider putting forth a constitutional amendment for voters to approve to allow gambling elsewhere in the state 2015 — as long as it included a way to help Atlantic City.

For his part, Christie said last week he was "happy to have that conversation" with Sweeney.

While Sweeney declined to comment specifically on the Jersey City proposal, he did say that "if we’re going to look at opening (gambling) up, it could be in Jersey City or somewhere else up north where a casino could be beneficial."

Whelan, the former Atlantic City mayor, said he would like future legislation to require any new North Jersey casino operators to also open a casino in Atlantic City, restrict the gaming expansion only to North Jersey, and to make sure revenue makes its way south in the same way that Atlantic City casinos funded projects around the state for years.

Until now, those in favor of expanding gambling into North Jersey have generally wanted to build a casino in the Meadowlands. Lesniak said he would still like to see that to happen, though it would serve a different market.

"The Meadowlands would co-exist," he said. "They really would have two separate attractions. The Meadowlands would be more of an average day player, whereas this would attract the high rollers from around the world."

He said up to $1 billion in revenue from two casinos over 10 years would be devoted to transforming Atlantic City from a past-its-prime gambling mecca into an all-around tourist destination. Lesniak added that the Jersey City proposal, like any other casino proposed outside of Atlantic City casino, would have to compete for a license under the terms laid out in future legislation.

"There’s a lot invested in Atlantic City," Lesniak said, "and rather than this proposal leaving it high and dry, it actually is a means for it to be saved."

[raspberrie]

"Everything for Industry"

[Frank M]

Whoever stole the mayor’s “What Would Michael Bloomberg Do” strategy guide—please return it ASAP.

[Soshin]

Osborne firmly against it.  In the HCA Facebook group:  "I will lay across a rail road track to prevent this from happening in Ward E."

And this on twitter:  https://twitter.com/candiceosborne/status/431914803683422208

I predict scenes like this at the next council meeting.......

DAMSEL IN DISTRESS

[Bobblehead]

Some interesting articles.

http://www.npr.org/2012/07/03/156192405/states-go-to-casinos-but-does-the-gamble-pay-off

http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20140207_Revel_casino_an_unfulfilled_vision.html

[Binky]