March 2014 CRDA Board Approves Housing & Non-Gaming Projects; Tip411 a Success New Non-Profit Formed to Bolster Convention Business in the Community The CRDA Board advanced several measures to The Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD) provide more housing, more non-gaming attractions, launched its Tip411 program in September 2012, and provide Atlantic City with new opportunities to which put a powerful new crime fighting tool attract more convention business at the Tuesday, March into the hands of the Atlantic City community and its residents. 18 Board meeting. Since then, the Tip411 program has proven to be The CRDA received Board approval to form a 501c6 an essential component towards combating crime non-profit organization that will advance Atlantic City throughout the city and its neighborhoods while as a destination for conventions, meetings and trade helping bridge the gap between the ACPD and shows. The new, private, independent entity will be city residents. The Tip411 tip line is staffed 24 known as Meet AC and will be governed by a five hours a day, seven days a week. member Board of Directors from the hospitality “Tip411 has been helpful in many ways, such as (Above) - Rendering of Boraie South Inlet development industry, the business community and the CRDA. The increasing response time and officer safety,” said project. new Board of Directors is scheduled to meet before the Sgt. Monica McMenamin of the ACPD. “This end of April. system has the ability to pinpoint shooting loca- tions and it helps in the recovery of evidence, “Increasing the number of conventions is a key strategy in the success of the Tourism District,” said CRDA locating witnesses and victims.” Executive Director John Palmieri. “We have worked very closely with an exceptional team to develop on organization that will be competitive, incentivized and able to focus solely on the sales function.” Tip411 allows individuals to anonymously con- tact the ACPD on their cell phones whenever they witness a crime or have pertinent informa- In July 2013, the City of Atlantic City entered into an tion regarding an incident. If a cell phone or agreement with Boraie Development, LLC as the texting capability is unavailable, individuals may developer for two, four-acre parcels in the South Inlet. submit an anonymous tip by visiting http:// Upon agreement, Boraie Development, LLC pursued www.acpolice.org or http://www.facebook.com/ the purchase of the land with the Atlantic City Housing AtlanticCityPolice. Authority, the formal owner of the property, and in December 2013 the purchase was executed. Greater awareness of the program and education is bringing about positive results.

Boraie Development, LLC received preliminary “The Community Relations Unit has visited the determination of project approval from the CRDA in civic associations to train the members on the December 2013 before coming to the CRDA Board for Tip411 system,” said Sgt. McMenamin. “With project approval and a fund reservation. The CRDA (Above) - Rendering of Tropicana Boardwalk that training the ACPD has noticed an increase in Board took action to support the South Inlet Uptown improvements. the use of the system.” Renewal Project, which includes development of a 250-unit rental complex by Boraie Development, LLC. The Beach at the South Inlet will provide a mix of one New Ambassadors Hit and two-bedroom units with amenities, such as a doorman, on-site parking and swimming pool. Developer Tourism District Streets Waseem Boraie said 350 construction jobs will be created with construction beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014. The CRDA is providing financial assistance, not to exceed $30 million, in the form of construction and Thirteen newly-trained Ambassadors officially take-out lending. started their duties throughout the Tourism District on Saturday, March 8. According to CRDA Board Chairman Jim Kehoe, “This Board action signals a kick-start to revitalization Over the course of two weeks of training, the in the South Inlet.” Ambassadors met with local officials, such as Mayor Don Guardian, ACPD Officer Bill Wenz, Licensing & Inspection Directors Dale Finch and A $35 million dollar project proposed by the Anthony Cox, and Office of Emergency Man- Tropicana features renovations to 434 hotel rooms in agement Director Tom Foley. the North Tower, creation of new retail space on Pacific Avenue at the Morris Avenue intersection, “The two weeks of training are a cooperative installation of a new health club on Brighton Avenue, effort with all stakeholders in the District and it thus activating an area that is currently a blank façade, provides the Ambassadors with a solid foundation,” said Ambassador Manager Tom (Above) - Rendering of Tropicana Pacific Avenue and upgrades and renovations to the Boardwalk frontage to include light bollards, building illumination Burns. “We want them to know just how improvements. important their job is since they are sometimes choreographed as a light and sound show and large the first person a visitor encounters and that first scale video monitors on the Boardwalk. Tropicana estimates 532 construction and 84 permanent jobs will be impression goes a long way.” created with project completion by the end of 2015. Informative presentations were also made by the The CRDA Board also approved supplemental fund reservations for Lighthouse District Park, Historic Free Public Library, the Rescue Mission, the Gardner’s Basin, and the Community Development Entertainment Grant program. Meanwhile, the CRDA Beach Patrol, Covenant House, and American Board actions will take effect following the expiration of the Governor Christie’s statutory review period. Building Maintenance (ABM) among others. Tons of Summer Fun Throughout the Tourism District in 2014

The fickle weather outside may not evoke feelings of warm summer days, lounging in the sand and cooling off in the ocean, but those fun-filled, lazy and hazy days of summer are right around the corner as are plenty of exciting events scheduled throughout the Tourism District.

AVP Pro Invitational Tournament (September 5-7) Olympians and pro beach volleyball superstars will wow spectators when the AVP Tour, the most prestigious pro beach volleyball series, returns to Atlantic City for its only stop on the east coast. Last year, players including New Jersey native Ryan Doherty, Olympians , , Jen Kessy, , , , and three-time Manhattan Beach Open champion Whitney Pavlik battled along the Boardwalk. Thousands of spectators filled the grandstands to capacity with standing room only on the sand and Boardwalk throughout the weekend. General admission this year will be FREE with VIP ticket packages available.

Fire on the Water Festival (May 17–18) This new, FREE two-day festival at Historic Gardner’s Basin kicks off the summer and showcases an action packed Firefighter Combat Challenge with an amateur boxing tournament pitting police against firefighters (Guns vs. Hoses). In the Firefighter Combat Challenge, pairs of competitors dressed in full gear race head-to-head as they simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting by performing a linked series of five tasks, including climbing the five-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 lb. "victim" as they race against themselves, their opponent and the clock. Produced by Market City Solutions LLC and the Atlantic City Alliance, the Fire on the Water Festival will be held from 9 am–6 pm daily.

DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup (June 19–July 6) The world’s top-20 sand sculptors from across the globe will create their eye-popping masterpieces in the DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup. Before spectators’ disbelieving eyes, sculptors carve complex and detailed works, some as tall as 14 feet, with just sand and water as they compete in head-to- head singles and doubles competitions for global bragging rights and the most lucrative prizes in the world. This FREE event, produced by the Atlantic City Alliance, takes place on the beach at Missouri Avenue (between The Pier Shops at Caesars and Trump Plaza Beach Bar) and is open 9 am–9 pm daily and runs through the July 4 th weekend.

Challenge Atlantic City Triathlon (June 29) On June 29, 2014 the global long-distance triathlon series Challenge Family will make their long awaited debut in the United States with Challenge Atlantic City. Athletes from across the nation and around the world will be tested to their limits over the 140.6 mile (226km) race course. More than 1,100 tri-athletes have registered to date. Challenge joins the Atlantic City Triathlon and Atlantic City Marathon as signature running events. This FREE event is produced in partnership with the CRDA and ACA. Advance registration required with fees.

4th Of July Fireworks (Friday, July 4) Fourth of July weekend kicks off with one of the top five fireworks displays in the country. This FREE show is so big that it takes two ocean barges and one marina platform to fill the island’s entire sky. More than 250,000 people take up their favorite viewing positions along the Boardwalk, at one of the many beach bar parties or viewing events, on the Steel Pier, or at the luxury casino resorts. Now in its third year producing the July 4 th fireworks, the Atlantic City Alliance has exciting new surprises in store for 2014.

Atlantic City Airshow (August 13) Produced annually by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, the Atlantic City Airshow is a spectacle for the entire family. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will once again headline the event, which has been a summer tradition for more than a decade. Each year hundreds of thousands of spectators gather on the beach and Boardwalk for the daylong event to watch the amazing stunts and breathtaking aeronautic maneuvers by a host of exciting commercial acts. This FREE event is supported by the City of Atlantic City, CRDA and ACA.

Miss America 2015 Competition & Show Us Your Shoes Parade (September 9–14) The Miss America Competitions return home in September and will be filled with wonderful city- wide events following the Labor Day weekend which will include three nights of Preliminary Competitions that will take place September 9, 10 and 11 at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. In addition, the much anticipated Miss America “Show Us Your Shoes Parade” will be held on the Boardwalk Saturday, September 13. The week culminates in the beloved competition on Sunday, September 14, live on ABC at 9 pm. The Competition and ancillary events are produced by the Miss America Organization with support from the CRDA and ACA. Details and ticket prices to be announced.

DO AC Boardwalk Wine Promenade with Official Culinary Media Partner FOOD & WINE (September 27–28) The outdoor wine stroll along the Boardwalk returns with new wines to the market and rare and expensive wines and champagnes. The Wine Promenade brings together all 11 casino resorts to celebrate viniculture and the history, pageantry and energy of AC. The event returns this year with FOOD & WINE joining as the new official culinary media partner. One hundred wines will be presented at multiple destinations along a one-mile stretch between Steel Pier and Tropicana from 12–5 pm daily. Insider access to rare, expensive wines and champagnes handpicked by expert and media personality Leslie Sbrocco plus gourmet bites, live music and breathtaking ocean views combine to create an only-in-Atlantic City spectacular. Tickets go on sale in June.

For more information about these and many more events visit www.doatlanticcity.com . Noyes Stockton College Arts Garage Events in April ULI Advisory Panel Reports Findings

Hometown Teams - Pep Talks The Urban Land Institute (ULI) provided an Thursday Nights: 6-7:30 pm enthusiastic and positive outlook for the potential of FREE and open to the public development in Atlantic City’s South Inlet and the Be a part of an informal discussion future of Atlantic City. session lead by local players, coaches and sports figures about sports, the players and The CRDA commissioned the ULI Advisory Panel to memorable events. Every Thursday night visit Atlantic City and focus on the south inlet. The from March 27 through May 1. process was extensive, inclusive and immersive. The seven panelists conducted interviews of more than 60 local stakeholders, and participated in walking tours of Flashback Fridays: Hometown Teams the focus area and a jitney tour of the City over the Guided Tour Friday, April 4: 1 pm course of four full days. FREE and open to the public The ULI provides leadership in the responsible use of Take a guided tour of the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibition, “Hometown Teams — How land and in creating and sustaining thriving Sports Shape America,” a look into the ongoing cultural processes that have made America, communities worldwide. The advisory services panel such a celebrator of sports through teamwork, leadership, and team pride. provides independent, objective candid advice on important land use and real estate issues. Garden State Film Festival Welcome Reception Saturday, April 5: 12-6 pm The ULI Panel provided a preliminary report during a FREE and open to the public public breakfast presentation at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The panel’s preliminary report set Wool Easter Eggs the context of their findings based in the realities of the Saturday, April 5: 1-2 pm marketplace today, strategies for development, the Class Fee: $15; Ages: 10+ creation of planning and design elements in a block by Just for kids! Learn to use needle felting techniques to make family heirloom Easter eggs out block overview and implementation that includes the of wool with custom designer Diamond Frandsen of the Ivy Cottage. The $15 class fee framework for governance, economic diversifications, includes; all felting materials, tool use, studio space. Limited capacity. *Parents must be real estate investment and development and most of all, present. To register, please email [email protected]. timing. “The opportunity to have a distinguished panel of Brian Fernandes-Halloran Opening Reception urban land development experts come to Atlantic City Sunday, April 6: 4-6 pm and focus on this one particular area was enormously FREE and open to the public valuable” said CRDA Executive Director John Exhibition Dates: 3/5 - 6/29 Palmieri. “It provided an expert, objective view that Meet multimedia sculpture artist Brian Fernandes-Halloran, enjoy light refreshments and CRDA redevelopment efforts are pointed in the right celebrate the opening of the Gallery’s Spring Exhibition. direction and gave the call to action for everyone to be engaged and get on board to guide Atlantic City toward Pushing Past Stereotypes: Then and Now future success.” Saturday, April 12: 3-6 pm in the African American Heritage Museum at The Arts Garage FREE and open to the public The panel called for neighborhood development that Join Teressa Moore Griffin, author of LIES That Limit, for a book signing, reception and focuses on recruitment of millennials and baby lecture on how stereotypes of the past affected how people lived and how we can move past boomers, two groups of potential residents who are them now. attracted to walkable and bikeable neighborhoods with a strong sense of community, and access to transit and Heirloom Easter Basket Weaving healthcare. Saturday, April 12: 10:30 am-5 pm The CRDA’s sense of urgency and commitment to Class Fee: $58 swift, responsible redevelopment was reiterated by ULI Beginner basket weaving with master basket maker Debra Simpson from the Ivy Cottage. Panel Chairman Rick Dishnika. Recognizing CRDA’s The class fee includes all weaving materials, tool use, studio space, and free parking current activity in land assemblage, demolition of in the Wave Garage. Each student will leave with a completed Heirloom Easter basket. eyesores, zero tolerance code enforcement and Limited capacity. To register, please email: [email protected]. commencement of the Boraie Development project, the

Beach at South Inlet, he offered next steps in providing Teen Arts Academy: Intro to Oil Painting home repair and home development incentives. Along Saturday, April 19: 10:30 am-1:30 pm with block by block recommendations for Class Fee: $30; Registration Deadline: April 16 neighborhood redevelopment, the panel also Open to all levels of experience, this workshop will focus on color, shadow, and light using recommended steps for continued engagement through only the three primary colors with artist Clifford Maddox. Materials are supplied and organized committees. participants should wear an old shirt or apron. Register online at www.noyesmuseum.org or in person at any Noyes Museum location. For more info please visit www.aclink.org/ A full report is expected to be delivered to CRDA culturalaffairs/. within 60 to 90 days. The preliminary report and associated materials are available now at www.njcrda.com . Expanded ACY Airline Service Starts April 1 Atlantic City Tourism District Advisory Commission Beginning Tuesday, April 1, business and leisure travelers will find it easier and more convenient to reach Atlantic 2014 Annual Meeting Schedule City onboard United Airlines’ daily, nonstop flights to United’s hubs at Chicago O’Hare International Airport Tuesday, March 25, 2014 and Houston’s George Bush Intercon- tinental Airport. Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Chicago and Houston are United’s largest hub airports. The airline’s new Tuesday, May 27, 2014 flights will enable one-stop service between Atlantic City and more than 100 Tuesday, June 24, 2014 destinations throughout the Midwest and western United States, Canada, Asia and Latin America. Tuesday, July 22, 2014

From Chicago, United’s flight to Atlantic City will depart at 8:10 am daily and arrive at 11:17 am. The return flight will depart Atlantic City at 11:52 All monthly meetings are held at 5 pm. am and arrive in Chicago at 1:10 pm. From Houston, United’s flight to Atlantic City will depart at 7 pm daily and arrive at 11:20 pm. The return Visit www.njcrda.com for meeting location. flight will depart Atlantic City at 6 am and arrive in Houston at 8:49 am. United Express carrier ExpressJet will operate the Atlantic City flights with the 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. Advisory Commission Members:

Garden State Film Festival April 3-6 in A.C. Derek Cason The 12th Annual Garden State Film Festival, Chair New Jersey’s premier independent film festi- val, is set hold its first event in Atlantic City Daryl Bulthius this April 3-6. Vice Chair/Committee Chair, Marketing & Promotion The festivities begin on Thursday, April 3 with John Exadaktilos community activities and public school film screenings. On Friday, April 4, a star-studded Committee Chair, Clean & Safe gala cocktail kick-off party honoring Lieuten- Joseph Kelly ant Governor Kim Guadagno will be held at Resorts Casino Hotel. An exciting docket of Committee Chair, Economic Development films, parties, workshops, seminars and an Joseph Maher open casting call will be held on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 culminating Keith Mills with the awards dinner that night at Trump Taj Mahal. Ali Reynolds The Festival will be well equipped to serve their guests and increased Vladislav “Sly” Stankovic attendance at four locations in Atlantic City—Dante Hall, Resorts Casino Rev. William Williams Hotel, Trump Taj Mahal and The Chelsea—while continuing the Atlantic City Tourism District’s revitalization efforts through arts, commerce and Committee Chair, Workforce & Education culture. The Garden State Film Festival was founded to promote the art of filmmak- Boardwalk Retail Ground Breaking April 9 ing on all levels by showcasing a wide variety of film, video and animated works as well as provide educational programs in the creative arts to the An official ground breaking ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April public by industry leaders. This event is sponsored by the Casino Reinvest- 9 on the Boardwalk at Florida Avenue adjacent to Historic Boardwalk ment Development Authority. Hall’s West Hall for a planned retail space development. The Garden State Film Festival celebrates New Jersey’s legacy as the birthplace of the American filmmaking industry. The first film cameras and projectors were invented by Thomas Edison in his Menlo Park laboratories. Fort Lee, NJ served as the site of the original movie studios before Hollywood, CA.

Published by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and Written by David Zuba, Media Relations Publicist Do you have an idea for a story? If so, please contact David Zuba at [email protected]