(PARAMUS) – Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen) released the following statement Tuesday on the revamped plan for the Meadowlands entertainment and retail complex:
“Any project that creates more than 8,900 construction jobs over the next two years and as many as 35,000 permanent jobs in Bergen County, while attracting 60 million annual visitors, is a reason for optimism. Job creation and economic development must remain our focus.
“And as a member of the Democratic gaming summit that took place last year, my commitment to a strong Meadowlands remains unwavering.
“But let’s be clear – if Bergen County’s blue laws are to be changed, the voters must make that decision. Just as other counties in New Jersey had a chance to vote on the issue, so should Bergen County.
“We also need to make transportation improvements in the region a priority, or else we put all the economic development potential this project offers at risk. With a 2013 opening being planned, we need to see designs for such improvements as soon as possible.”