Lawmakers: Remove Deed Restrictions From Showboat Site

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Two southern New Jersey lawmakers want to absolve Stockton University of conflicting land covenants on the former Showboat Casino site in Atlantic City.

State Sen. Jim Whelan and Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo announced their plans Monday.

The two Atlantic County Democrats will introduce legislation stating that any covenants or deed restrictions on property held by public entities in the city's tourism district violate the public interest. They say that would make them void and unenforceable.

Stockton bought the shuttered Showboat for $18 million in December from Caesars Entertainment.

But conflicting legal restrictions over how the property can be used have thus far prevented the school from selling the site or converting it into classroom space.

A judge ruled last week that Stockton can try to find another buyer after a $26 million deal with developer Glenn Straub wasn't completed.