Kevin C. Ortzman, president of Bally’s Atlantic City and Caesars Atlantic City, has received a two-year appointment to New Jersey’s Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Board of Directors.
The appointment comes from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Ortzman joins Mark Giannantonio, president and CEO at Resorts Casino Hotel, as the casino industry’s representatives on the board.
Also reappointed to new terms were Chairman Robert E. Mulcahy III, Debra P. DiLorenzo, Gary L. Hill, Frank Spencer, Edward H. Gant, and Howard J. Kyle.
The authority—which is funded by a tax on city casinos—oversees Atlantic City’s tourism district and funds redevelopment projects in the resort and around the state, although recent legislation has directed much of the authority’s redevelopment funding to be used to offset Atlantic City’s large municipal debt.
In another matter, the authority announced it will hold public hearings on new zoning regulations in the tourism zone designed to encourage the development of entertainment, attractions and amusement rides away from the city’s main boardwalk.
According to a new draft master plan cited by the Press of Atlantic City, the authority wants to maximize recreational and entertainment opportunities, including the growing craft beer trend. Smaller breweries and distilleries have expressed interest in operating the city, according to the report.
“The Master Plan seeks to reinvigorate the Atlantic City experience by enhancing the Boardwalk, beach and nearby streets through extensive entertainment and event programming; creating an improved street-level experience on major thoroughfares; offering new and dynamic retail offerings and increasing cleanliness and safety,” according to the draft master plan.
