Mikie Sherrill's first visit to Atlantic City since becoming governor was a closed-door meeting discussing the resort's future, according to an announcement from City Hall.
The "comprehensive meeting" included Mayor Marty Small, Business Administrator Anthony Swan, City Council President Aaron "Sporty" Randolph and senior city leadership, the news release sent out afterward said.
The meeting focused on sustained property tax relief for residents, redevelopment of Bader Field, the state’s PILOT legislation, improvements along Atlantic Avenue, anti-violence and crime reduction initiatives, and expanded programming for youth and seniors.
“As we often say in the Small administration, ‘relationships matter,’" Small said. "On behalf of the great city of Atlantic City, I pledged to be a strong and collaborative partner with Governor Sherrill.“
Small said he was encouraged by the governor's confidence in Jacquelyn Suarez, who she kept on as DCA commissioner.
In that spot, Suarez has oversight of the city under the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act. She took over the position from the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, whose relationship with the mayor was so close that he has named the redesigned courtyard in front of City Hall in her honor.
"Atlantic City is on the edge of greatness, and the governor now has a deeper understanding of both our opportunities and our challenges," Small said Tuesday. "We are grateful for her time, her willingness to listen and her partnership.”
The Governor's Office did not publicly acknowledge the meeting. Posts on social media Tuesday made no mention of the Atlantic City visit.
