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Promoted by Rosi
Something more than a trial balloon but far less than an actionable plan, The NJ Gaming, Sports, and Entertainment Advisory Commission Report only appears bold in its sweep and potential impact. It has stated goals but they are often vague or aspirational. Not well spelled out are the implementation, finances, and outcomes. Rather than presenting exciting new ideas, most proposals entail Kicking The Can Down The Road (KTCDTR.) Such important matters deserve not the treatment of trivia - details, considerations, or pieces of information of little value- but a more thorough report. As the Star Ledger reported, Assemblyman Caputo said, "I don't see the kind of intense analysis you need to deal with the problems." This is a report for a governor who is always in a rush to address important problems, has the communication skills to propel his plans, demands action now, but lacks the knowledge, wisdom and vision that are needed.
Below the fold are comments on many of the commission's half-baked recommendations. |
| Izod Center: "Testing the market for interest in privatizing operations ... by issuing a Request for Proposals." This aspirational proposal is KTCDTR. The aging Izod no longer hosts the Nets nor Devils, is only a few miles away from its competitor Newark's Prudential Center and is in need of substantial repair. Finding a new operator is unlikely. No intense analysis here or a significant recommendation, just a surrender to the idea that an RFP might generate something worthwhile.
Meadowlands Race Track: "Ceasing operations of the Meadowlands Racetrack and offering standard bred owners the opportunity to lease the Meadowlands Racetrack" for one dollar a year for three years. Unfortunately, it makes sense for the state to end this race track's failing operations. The aspirational notion of finding a viable long term operator, short of adding additional undesirable gaming, is unlikely and is just KTCDTR.
Xanadu: "With respect to prospects for identifying funds sufficient to complete the project ... the Commission recommends that the State focus on two potential tax exempt financing options," one of which would require the state to pledge up to 75% of related sales tax receipts for 20 years. The report lists substantial potential benefits, but fails to explain why or how such a large center, which many view as yet another mall, will be successful in attracting sufficient business. Because of its ideal location, access to transportation, $2 billion of already built infrastructure, something must be done, but there is little substantiation that another $800 million (between the State and a private company) might make it a huge success. The lack of genuine analysis or any new ideas in the report lead unsurprisingly to its final statement, "Should the project not move ahead the commission recommends that the State move quickly and aggressively to pursue all rights and remedies including possible foreclosure and damages."
Atlantic City: "Creating an Atlantic City Tourisism District," operated by a city, county, state and private enterprise commission to take charge of the area with responsibilities including a "Clean and Safe" initiative, government aid, and eminent domain. Other than describing the problems of AC, there is no explanation as to why such a group would do any better. Other goals include attracting other world class [casino] operators, increasing the meeting and convention business, bringing the New Jersey regulatory structure into the 21st century, increasing joint marketing efforts, and creating air, rail and ferry options - all high on the aspiration scale but lacking in detail regarding implementation and realistic outcomes. Recognizing that the report is scant on intense analysis, it recommends that the commission create a Master Plan, a good idea, but such is what should have ben created ahead of this scattered, shallow report.
NJSEA: Ceasing "all responsibilities related to venue operations, including Meadowlands Racetrack, IZOD Arena and Monmouth Park Racetrack." Given past mismanagement and the diminished viability of these venues such a proposal makes sense. The commission also does not recommend " at this time any change in the gaming policy in the Meadowlands Sports Complex." I personally agree with this policy, but no reason is forthcoming.
Once again the governor in his rush to show leadership and to command the attention of constituents and legislators, has provided us with half-baked proposals, KTCDTR, a dearth of analysis and only proven that for some of our most difficult problems he is a man lacking in vision or creativity. |
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