In a release, the CRDA says the program, which targets derelict structures in an area bordered by the Boardwalk and Delaware, Maine and Melrose avenues, is a pilot for possible future demolition projects in Atlantic City. Revel is donating funds to the program as a pre-payment against the locally based developer's Atlantic City Housing Investment Alternative Tax obligations.

"The South Inlet Demolition Program is consistent with some of the suggestions heard in the meetings held by Mayor Lorenzo Langford," says Thomas Carver, CRDA's executive director, in a release. "Many of the community and business leaders said that the perception of Atlantic City needed to be improved. This is a good first step."

The demolition of derelict buildings was one of the themes sounded when business and community leaders met in Langford's office this past November for a summit on Atlantic City's future. "We have to make Atlantic City a resort destination," Carver told the Press of Atlantic City before the summit. "The time is long past when we could strictly depend on the beaches and Boardwalk to draw tourists. We can't compete anymore on that basis alone."