This continues to be an exciting time to be part of Atlantic City. The Summer of 2006 is coming to a close and has been one of our finest. Beaches were packed, ocean water temperatures were ideal, and Thunder Over the Boardwalk, Atlantic City’s annual air show, drew some 600,000 people to our community. The Pier at Caesar’s is slowly opening to rave reviews. Atlantic City Outlets - The Walk is expanding into Phase 2 and The Quarter at Tropicana continues to pack them in. It’s amazing that AC has become a retail destination for South Jersey in less than three years. And of course the majority of retail and dining at The Pier is still to open as well as talk of Phase Three of The Walk.

From the lead article, you can see the tremendous changes in store for our Boardwalk for next summer. Next on the agenda will be Atlantic Avenue and Main Street Atlantic City. As part of the city’s master plan, but in much greater detail, MSAC is in the middle of its revitalization plan. When completed, it will provide us with a plan of action for Atlantic Avenue improvements as well as sources of funding to accomplish the vision. Although we are presently spending the majority of time and efforts with The Boardwalk, we see us turning to Atlantic Avenue in 2008 and 2009 with the same vigor and enthusiasm.

As we bid adieu to Bader Field Airport, we look with anticipation to the future development of this last large parcel of land. We also look to the lessening of tower heights that were needed because of the air field that will allow both gaming and residential projects to realize better use of available land. Our landscaping, public space maintenance and economic development divisions will continue the task of improving the quality of our business district. We look to 2007 to be another great year as our city continues to be the great destination for millions and home for thousands.