CRDA Board Meeting Roundup: July 15, 2025

The New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) Board of Directors convened on July 15, 2025 for its regular monthly meeting, taking action on a major Atlantic City redevelopment project and approving investments to maintain the city’s premier entertainment venues.

Meeting Highlights

The Board’s most significant action was advancing the long-awaited Bader Field redevelopment project, while also approving approximately $4.4 million in infrastructure investments to ensure continued excellence at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Featured Initiative: Bader Field Redevelopment Moves Forward

In the meeting’s most closely watched vote, the Board determined that the proposed Bader field redevelopment project is consistent with the Tourism District master plan by a vote of 12-1.  The project, known as Renaissance at Bader Field by DEEM Enterprises, is a $3.4 billion development for the former airport site.

The proposed development includes motor-oriented townhomes, duplexes, condominiums, high-rise residential towers, a hotel, and a multi-level retail hub. Additional amenities include pedestrian promenades and boardwalks, an observation tower, an automotive-themed museum and plaza, an amphitheater, and a club terrace overlooking the motorsports track.

The CRDA’s planning consultant, Christine Cofone of Cofone Consulting Group, explained that the Board’s role was specifically to determine whether the proposed development aligns with the Tourism District master plan, which seeks to diversify tourism while avoiding over-dependence on casinos.  Cofone Consulting Group conducted a professional planning assessment focused on strategic alignment, policy integration, and implementation readiness.  The consistency review concluded that “the 2025 Bader Field Redevelopment Plan represents a clear advance from the 2008 version and shows strong alignment with CRDA’s Tourism District Master Plan.”  The board voted based on the findings from this professional review.  The approval allows the project to move to the next phase, where the City of Atlantic City will name a redeveloper who must then complete the full site plan approval process and additional Board review.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. emphasized that this project represents nearly a decade of planning and could be “a game changer for the City’s economy, the taxpayers, the unions, and the Tourism District.” The mayor noted the project would provide nearly a decade of construction work for local unions, generate tax revenue, and additional revenue that would help fund a community recreation center.

Infrastructure Investments

The Board approved $4.4 million in service agreements to maintain Atlantic City’s world-class entertainment facilities. These multi-year contracts ensure Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center continue operating at the highest standards, supporting the venues that attract major events and drive economic activity to the city.

Technology Enhancement

In a nod to modern meeting needs, the Board approved $239,800 for collaboration technology at the Atlantic City Convention Center, enabling virtual participation in meetings and events when in-person attendance isn’t possible.

Additional Business

The Board also addressed various administrative and operational matters, including organizational restructuring, budget adjustments, and several smaller redevelopment project approvals throughout the city.

Looking Ahead

The next CRDA Board meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2025, at 2 PM at CRDA Offices located at 15 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Atlantic City. Board meetings are open to the public. The meeting agenda will be available on the CRDA website on the Friday before the meeting.

About the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA)

The CRDA is a unique state agency established to reinvest casino revenues into projects that drive economic growth, community development, and tourism.  Since 1984, CRDA has directed nearly $2 billion into 400 projects, with $1.8 billion invested in Atlantic City alone.  As the lead agency for the Atlantic City Tourism District, CRDA oversees land use planning, clean and safe initiatives, and key venues like Historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center.  For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.