In Atlantic City - pride, anger, worry as city teeters on edge

Atlantic City

INSIDE the dimly lit Moose Lodge 216 last September in Atlantic City, Frank D'Alonzo discussed a few of the ideas he has heard over the years to revitalise the cash-strapped New Jersey gambling hub.

A monorail. Water parks. And now a push to bring in more conventions and transform the casino-heavy town with a seedy image into a family-friendly destination. "It would be great for them to diversify," said the long-time businessman. But he sounded resigned: the seaside resort he loves is "the smallest big city" with blight and crime that are "not good publicity", he said.