Meadowlands proposal includes casinos, hotels

CARLSTADT (AP) —Casinos, hotels, a convention center and a monorail could be on the horizon at New Jersey's Meadowlands.

That's the plan business leaders laid out Tuesday to transform the area into a multi-venue entertainment district.

Jim Kirkos, head of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, says the goal isn't to build a new Atlantic City. He and others say the upside is huge, given the millions of people within a short drive.

They also point to the restarting of the American Dream megamall project and the transformation of Meadowlands Racetrack as signs that the complex is on the rebound.

There has been more talk of allowing casino gambling outside of Atlantic City recently. On Tuesday, a state senator said he'll push for a constitutional amendment to allow slot machines at the state's horse racing tracks.

Kirkos stressed that the casinos were an important part of the plan but aren't viewed as a stand-alone proposition and likely wouldn't be considered without the convention center and other components.

MORE COVERAGE:

• As Casinos Close in Atlantic City, a Push for More, Closer to New York / New York Times

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)