Taxpayer Storm Shield Protects Casinos as Poor Take on Water

[marmar]

(Bloomberg) As superstorm Sandy flooded Atlantic City, New Jersey, one area was shielded from damage by dunes constructed at taxpayer expense: casinos and other beachfront businesses and homes.

Nearby, another set of residents didn’t get government-paid storm defense. In one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods, water from Absecon Inlet filled the streets, knocking down doors, sloshing into bedrooms, destroying furniture and leaving residents wondering if they would drown.

What unfolded in this East Coast resort city of 40,000, the second-largest U.S. gambling market behind Las Vegas, shows how government decisions helped businesses escape almost unscathed and open just days after the storm, while people living paycheck to paycheck suffered.

“The government has protected their cash cow, the casinos, at the expense of the people,” said Edsel Coates, 57, whose home near the inlet flooded and roof caved in. “The casinos are receiving preferential treatment and there’s neglect of the average Atlantic City resident.” .....................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-05/taxpayer-storm-shield-protects-casinos-while-poor-take-on-water.html