On Friday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie released 19 reports prepared by his Transition New Jersey subcommittees, including the report on Gaming, Sports, and Entertainments that included the
New Jersey Sports & Exhibition Authority and the Meadowlands.
The report's Executive Summary on the NJSEA and horse racing at the Meadowlands is as follows:
As budgeted for 2010, horseracing on track is projected to lose $22 million; the business model is broken. The agreements with the various Horsemen Associations will ensure continued losses; during 2010 these agreements need to be reopened and renegotiated. It is time to review options for racing in New Jersey. THE STATUS QUO IS NOT SUSTAINABLE. We encourage consideration of all the options to make horseracing self-sustaining, including consolidation of racing state-wide.
The ultimate goal is to continue to have live racing at a venue where the Sports Authority and its OTW system can operate without a subsidy. (NJSEA budgeted total deficit for 2010 is $38 million). Another option to be considered is a feasibility study for the commercial redevelopment of the Meadowlands, including examining other potential uses such as NASCAR.
The report does acknowledge the fact that the Meadowlands is one of the most popular harness racing tracks in the world and that the Meadowlands Sports Complex is one of the best rated multi-purpose facilities. However, the report suggests a dire need for the NJSEA to have a modern financing structure.
New Jersey's Transition subcommittees conducted thorough reviews of all departments, agencies and authorities of the state and made assessments and recommendations to improve, shrink and, in some cases, eliminate wasteful or inefficient government operations.
"These reports are full of bold ideas and recommendations for change from a bipartisan group of individuals from the private and public sectors," said Christie. "They came to the task with a wide range of knowledge and expertise and gave us unvarnished assessments of our state government, its strengths, weaknesses and failures. I want to thank them for their hard work and dedication. In the coming weeks, my Cabinet and I will be consulting with subcommittee members, reviewing each of the reports, and carefully considering these recommendations for improvement and change."
To view the full 21-page report in PDF format, click here.
(with files from the State of New Jersey)
Maybe it's time to take a
Maybe it's time to take a step back and really look at what's going on. Atlantic City controls the state gaming and there isn't a politician in new jersey that has the courage to stand up to the casino operators. The amount of money, jobs and farm land that WILL be lost is incredible. The people in New jersey need to wake up and see what the future is. Higher taxes, fewer jobs. Welcome to the Great State of New Jersey!!!
it's time to stop quoting
it's time to stop quoting the politicians (failures) who are submitting casino ideas for the meadowlands sports complex.
unless the giants and jets move, there can be no room for casinos at the meadowlands. they control the parking lots and they are not about to give them up. plus the people who surround and live near the sports complex are against putting a casino there. let paul sarlo put the casino in his town.
If you can't hear the lady
If you can't hear the lady warming up to sing than you should get your ears checked. Her warm-up melody is in this report. I have a feeling I am going to be telling my children about the good old days, while before I thought it might hold off until the grandchildren. It will be a sad day when it comes to this.