BAYONNE — Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith applauded Thursday’s compromise on Assembly Bill-1705, the passage of which clears the way for the construction of the new Meadowlands Bayonne Sports and Entertainment Facility. The governor and the legislature were at odds over certain key provisions of the bill. Smith recently spoke with the governor about the bill and its relationship to the facility which would house a state of the art off track wagering facility along with a modern restaurant and comfortable amenities. The project has its approvals and is ready to go.
Thursday afternoon, the NJ Assembly passed a bill agreeing to modifications the governor wanted to the “Off Track and Account Wagering Act” which governs among other things the operation of off track wagering facilities. Reconciling the bill with the issues raised in the governor’s veto was the last step in getting the act amended and allowing the Bayonne project and others to proceed.
Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell who voted for the legislation said the long awaited project will provide quality construction jobs and many good paying permanent jobs once the facility is open. The project will also remediate a polluted brownfield and create new property tax revenues. An added benefit is that the location of the facility makes it convenient for patrons from Staten Island to visit the facility and spend money in New Jersey. New York’s legendary store front Off Track Betting facilities have been shuttered.
Mayor Smith thanked the Governor and the Legislature for removing some of the obstacles to the Meadowlands Bayonne Sports and Entertainment Complex. The mayor stated that, “This important project will bring jobs and tax ratables to an undeveloped area of Bayonne; it will enhance commerce and bring much needed revenue to the state. I support its construction and look forward to its completion.”
The new law clears the way for Off Track Wagering Facilities such as the proposed Bayonne Facility to be operated by licensees rather than the state itself. – Al Sullivan