Pine Hill is scheduled to give final approve next Monday to an agreement to absorb Pine Valley, home to a world-class private golf course and 21 people.
Atlantic City's troubled finances are in the hands of the state, and can be for the next five years. But it's yet to be seen if the city will fight to retrieve that power.
It will be challenging for city officials to identify the cuts needed within five months to balance their budget. Refinancing its debt would be a big help.
What happens in Atlantic City might not stay in Atlantic City. A bankruptcy or default there could raise borrowing costs for other New Jersey cities and towns.