The founder of Reebok is proposing a $4.6bn casino and mixed-use project in New Jersey, across the river from New York City, which would include the tallest building in the western hemisphere.
Paul Fireman has been floating the idea among local political leaders for months and is now talking with state legislators. The way might be opening up for Fireman - and other prospective casino developers - as Senate President Steve Sweeney and Governor Chris Christie have both said they are open to a 2015 referendum to allow casinos outside of Atlantic City. Fireman is said to be proposing a casino in Jersey City that would include a 95-storey hotel, an auto racing stadium seating 107,500 and the world’s highest Ferris wheel. Fireman’s proposal is the first of what could prove to be many if the state allows casinos elsewhere. So far, speculation has been limited to racetracks, principally the state-owned Meadowlands complex, also within sight of Manhattan.
