TRENTON – A commission that advised the state on several areas of exposition and tourism last year will again convene to examine remaining transitions of those projects, Gov. Chris Christie confirmed today.
The Hanson Commission will reconvene, Christie said, to continue its volunteer-based advisory role that was integral in many decisions that the state made on sporting, gambling, and entertainment venues in the past year.
Led by developer Jon Hanson, the Hanson Commission was responsible for recommendations that brought a state-controlled tourism district, revamped regulatory scheme, and the new Revel casino to Atlantic City, Christie said. They also ushered new ownership to the ill-fated Xanadu entertainment complex in the Meadowlands – now called the American Dream – the governor said, and transitioned state-subsidized horseracing into “a completely self-sustaining industry.”
Christie said the Hanson Commission will assist the American Dream team as they take control of the massive entertainment and commercial complex in the north, and aid transition of the new-look Casino Reinvestment Development Authority as it hires a new executive director and takes control of the tourism district.
Christie said the commission is adding businessman Christopher Paladino.
