New Jersey to set boundaries of Atlantic City casino tourism zone

The changes come as the Legislature continues to finalize a plan laid out by Governor Chris Christie in July to revive the struggling resort's fortunes.

A bill to establish the district was due for a final vote on Thursday. But Deputy Assembly Speaker John Burzichelli said amendments are likely to be made creating a map of the district, and clarifying how law enforcement would be handled there.

One big change is likely to involve creating a map of the new district's boundaries. The original proposal called for the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, which would oversee the new zone, to set its borders.

But that idea didn't play well with Republicans, who opposed letting the agency run the district in the first place. "You're likely to see amendments clarifying what the area will look like," said Burzichelli, a south Jersey Democrat.

Another change would clarify areas of responsibility regarding police protection of the zone.  "It may include more details of the line of command," Burzichelli said. "State Police would send an administrative person to the Atlantic City Police Department to establish a unit within the department."

The unit would coordinate with other law enforcement and security agencies in the city, including New Jersey Transit and State Police Gaming Enforcement personnel. The revised bill could get final approval on Monday.