Atlantic City’s Trump Taj Mahal parent company said yesterday that it doesn’t want Stockton University to move next door, foreseeing issues with underage patrons trying to gamble.
Trump Entertainment Resorts told the Associated Press that it notified Stockton University three months ago to fall the fuck back. Well, more or less.
The Showboat Casino closed on August 31st, and Stockton bought it in December with hopes of transforming it into a satellite campus/hotel.
Trump Entertainment said in a statement:
“The facts are that our company does not think having a college next door to the Taj is good for our company. Having kids under 21 who will attempt to gain entry to the casino and engage in activities reserved for those only 21 and older would create numerous problems we do not want, and could damage the Taj’s ability to attract customers and regain its financial health. You do not see a college on the Las Vegas strip. Both Caesars and Stockton elected to proceed with the Showboat sale even though they were fully aware that we could not waive the casino/hotel covenant as they were asking. “
Ohhhh shit, those are fighting words. How you going to respond Stockton president, Herman Saatkamp?
“We have been stabbed in the heart.”
Ok, aggressive.
Saatkamp is still hopeful an arrangement can be made but they must act within the next to weeks so that the campus can be primed for summer courses. Or else, they’ll have to sell.
On top of filing for bankruptcy in September of 2014, the Taj Mahal has had its slew of troubles. Namely a 2009 shooting that resulted in the death of a casino shift manager, and a 2011 murder of a man attempting a car jacking inside the parking garage of the casino.
Maybe it’s best that Stockton keeps its distance.
Via NBC Philadelphia