If the properties are sold at distressed prices ... new owners can put in a ton of money to bring it up to snuff if they purchase on the cheap at a fire sale. There is talk that Revel, which cost over 2 billion to build, may be purchased for 100 million.
Have you been to the new Golden Nugget, that used to be Trump Marina? Even the boat owners are impressed with the improvements at dockside that fell into disrepair under Trump's ownership. The GN marina is one of the finest marinas on the entire East Coast... and revenues are way up according to news reports I've seen and read over the weekend. Bass Pro Shops has all their steel work up at the foot of the A.C. Expressway a couple of blocks away from Caesars and Trump Plaza. A Spring, 2015 opening has been announced for the huge Bass Pro Shops. Retail sales at "The Walk" exceed all projections. The city has just begun resurfacing Pacific Ave. and the city is cleaner now than it has ever been. Yes, they still have occasional shootings, but it's mostly drug related in the projects.
A.C. is far from being "dead". Perhaps 12 casinos in this small town was four casinos too many with all of the expansion in neighboring states. Maybe 8 or 9 casinos is the right number for the amount of business. If one has not been to A.C. for a few years, you are in for a big surprise. Take a ride to Gardner's Basin and try to get a seat at Gilchrist's for breakfast or lunch on weekends. It's an hour plus, wait.
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