CRDA Places Lien On Former Revel Casino As Latest Reopening Date Flies By

Glenn Straub, you’ve been had.

The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) announced this month it placed a $62,000 lien on TEN Atlantic City (formerly Revel) for unpaid 2015 CRDA Special Improvement District fees. This is one of the only instances in the past two years in which the CRDA has slapped a tangible punishment on Straub’s Polo North development company.

The news broke on Press of Atlantic City, who said Judge Julio J. Mendez gave Polo North 90 days to pay off the balance or all court fees associated with the judgement would be placed on the development company.

The total amount due is $62,641.

Chris Howard, executive director of the CRDA, told the paper what we’ve heard many times from Atlantic City’s leaders: Straub wouldn’t comply with the governing body’s demands.

“While the authority would prefer to resolve such claims amicably, Polo North refused to pay its SID Assessment and, ultimately, failed to comply with a court order compelling payment,” Howard was quoted as saying.

Issue goes back to 2016

Straub’s battles with the CRDA are numerous and well-publicized. Among his many contentions is that he shouldn’t have to pay for the fees, a case he made via a lawsuit filed in 2016, the Press of Atlantic City noted.

The CRDA disagreed with Straub, as has often been the case. Judge Mendez validated the CRDA’s position. It remains to be seen if Straub will pay the nominal fee.

Another reopening date missed by the NJ casino

The news about the CRDA’s court victory came just a few days before Straub was supposed to open TEN.

Straub announced earlier this year that TEN would open on June 15. The irony was not lost on many industry experts. June 15 was exactly one year after the former Revel’s 2016 failed opening date.

The opening, as many expected, never happened. Straub is still mired in a court battle with the Casino Control Commission (CCC).

The CCC told Straub he needed a casino license to operate TEN’s casino. Straub’s contention is that he’s merely a landlord. He maintains that the third-party he hired should be required to get the license.

[i15-table tableid=4306]

Image credit: John Arehart / Shutterstock.com