Meadowlands business leaders unveil plan for casinos, hotels at sports complex site

CARLSTADT, N.J. – Casinos, hotels, a convention centre and a monorail could be on the horizon at New Jersey’s Meadowlands.

That’s the plan business leaders laid out Tuesday to transform the area into a multi-venue entertainment district.

Jim Kirkos, head of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, says the goal isn’t to build a new Atlantic City. He and others say the upside is huge, given the millions of people within a short drive.

They also point to the restarting of the American Dream megamall project and the transformation of Meadowlands Racetrack as signs that the complex is on the rebound.

There has been more talk of allowing casino gambling outside of Atlantic City recently. On Tuesday, a state senator said he’ll push for a constitutional amendment to allow slot machines at the state’s horse racing tracks.

Kirkos stressed that the casinos were an important part of the plan but aren’t viewed as a stand-alone proposition and likely wouldn’t be considered without the convention centre and other components.