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We have been in touch with one of the most prolific casino hotel architects in the world.
Paul Steelman got his start in the casino industry in Atlantic City, New Jersey, more than 40 years ago on his first day on the design, construction and development team at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino.
From there, Steelman’s firm… Steelman Partners took him around the world, including:
Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Macau, Zhuhai, Ho Chi Minh City, Amsterdam and Phnom Penh.
Stillman was born and raised in the Atlantic City, New Jersey, area.
Stillman loves the area and doesn’t pay attention to Atlantic City affairs often or lightly.
Steelman made no secret of his pointed comments about narrowing Atlantic Avenue from four to two lanes.
Amid the wide-ranging discussion, here’s Stillman’s take on the so-called “road diet” plan.
It’s puzzling that after so much time and effort has been invested in understanding and meeting Atlantic City’s transportation needs, there are now proposals to change a major thoroughfare that connects the city to surrounding areas. The decision needs to be revised to incorporate the wealth of knowledge gained from years of analysis and planning, which could jeopardize the town’s economic interests and the livelihoods of those working in various industries, especially the casino. How much do judges know about traffic analysis? Steelman said 75 percent of decisions to go to casinos rely on transportation and parking.
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Michael Bligh’s decision to allow this unpopular plan to proceed was surprising… because Atlantic City did not seek the required approvals… that were a requirement to begin the project.
Atlantic City will need to submit a plan and get approval from the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (NJCRDA)… because part of Atlantic Avenue is within a so-called “tourist district.”
Bly knew this and allowed the project to proceed regardless.
This is what the newly configured road looks like. What a mess.
I recently conducted my own field test and the results were shocking.
On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, I was driving on Atlantic Avenue and photographed how drivers and cyclists
Managing new configurations in recently completed zones.
There wasn’t a lot of traffic, but it was a very instructive exercise because everything people said before this new road scheme happened in real time.
In this photo you can clearly see a vehicle driving all the way to the right, which is supposed to be the bike lane.
On the left you can clearly see a cyclist riding in the center between the two lanes.
This is exactly what many predicted would happen.
Atlantic City Mayor Small continued to tout the $24 million secured for the project, which will also result in the repaving of Atlantic Avenue and the resynchronization of traffic lights.
He should find another way to pave roads and synchronize traffic signals. There is no question that Atlantic Avenue needs to be repaved.
Steelman also shared:
Such a decision has many wider implications. The road diet could deal another blow to Atlantic City’s iconic landmark, the Boardwalk, and further exacerbate the city’s challenges. The ongoing debate over basic amenities like grocery stores highlights the struggles Atlantic City continues to face in its efforts to progress and thrive. It’s disheartening to witness a city so full of promise and potential potentially regressing. “I oppose this ill-conceived proposal and advocate for preserving and advancing Atlantic City’s interests,” Stillman said.
Stillman joins a growing number of highly credible people who oppose narrowing Atlantic Avenue in this way.
for the first time in the history of atlantic city
Gallery credit: Harry Hurley
Never seen gold nugget construction photos
Gallery credit: Harry Hurley
An Exclusive Look Back at the 1980 Atlantic City Nuggets
Gallery credit: Harry Hurley
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