Atlantic City Takes Action: New Rules for Small Motels to Boost Safety
Atlantic City is taking significant steps to ensure that smaller motels within the city are safer for guests. The city council has recently passed new regulations that mandate these establishments to install security cameras and implement other safety measures.
Key Changes
- Annual Inspections: Motels with fewer than 100 rooms will now undergo annual inspections.
- Compliance Deadlines: Owners must address any issues within 30 days of inspection or face fines.
- Guest Tracking: Managers are required to monitor the number of guests and their duration of stay, ensuring no one remains past 90 days.
The Motivation Behind the Changes
Atlantic City has a high concentration of small motels, some of which have gained a reputation for crime. The city aims to demonstrate its commitment to safety and cleanliness.
"We have to show people in a demonstrative way that we are serious about making Atlantic City safe and clean." — Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz
Impact on Tourism
Atlantic City is a popular destination, particularly during the summer, attracting visitors to its casinos, beaches, and boardwalk. However, smaller hotels have often been viewed as trouble spots. The new regulations are designed to address these concerns.
Precedent in the Area
This initiative is not unprecedented. The nearby town of Absecon has already implemented similar rules to curb long-term stays in motels, which has contributed to a reduction in crime. Atlantic City hopes to achieve similar results with these new measures.
