Lawmakers mapping A.C. district

ATLANTIC CITY - New Jersey lawmakers may set the boundaries of a proposed tourism zone in Atlantic City this week, defining exactly where increased public-safety, cleanliness, and development initiatives will extend in the nation's second-largest gambling market.

The changes come as the Legislature continues to finalize a plan laid out by Gov. Christie in July to revive the struggling resort's fortunes.

A bill to establish the district was due for a final vote Thursday. But Deputy Assembly Speaker John Burzichelli (D., Gloucester) said amendments are likely to be made creating a map of the district, and clarifying how law enforcement would be handled there.

One big change is likely to involve creating a map of the district's boundaries. The original proposal called for the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, which would oversee the new zone, to set its borders.

That idea didn't sit well with Republicans, who opposed letting the agency run the district in the first place.

"You're likely to see amendments clarifying what the area will look like," Burzichelli said.

Another change would clarify areas of responsibility regarding police protection of the zone.

"It may include more details of the line of command," Burzichelli said. "State police would send an administrative person to the Atlantic City Police Department to establish a unit within the department."

The unit would coordinate with other law enforcement and security agencies in the city, including NJ Transit and state police gaming enforcement personnel.

The revised bill could get final approval Monday.