NEWARK, N.J. (AP) – Newark officials have adjusted a downtown redevelopment plan to allow for a potential casino.
The city’s Municipal Council unanimously Wednesday to approve the change.
NJ.com reports (http://bit.ly/1UrdPGu) state legislators must still approve a constitutional amendment before casinos can open outside Atlantic City.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo want a casino to anchor a downtown district that would also include a convention center, shopping and entertainment.
Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, a Democrat, has pushed legislation to allow casino gambling in Essex, Bergen and Hudson counties.
He says the council’s approval Wednesday puts Newark in a position to compete with potential casino sites in Jersey City and the Meadowlands and draw gambling revenue away from neighboring states.
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Information from: NJ.com, http://www.nj.com
