George Norcross Buying Trump Plaza Has Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson ‘Ecstatic’

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson is a “proud Republican,” but when it comes to bettering Atlantic City, the longtime official puts politics aside. That was evident this week with the revelation that South Jersey power broker George Norcross—one of the Democratic Party’s most influential operatives in the Garden State—is the buyer of the former Trump Plaza casino resort on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.  

Levinson, a frequent foe of Democratic leaders in Trenton, said Norcross’ investment in Atlantic City could be the start of something great.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. broke the news this week on The Breakfast Club syndicated radio show that “one of the most powerful” individuals in New Jersey had acquired the Boardwalk property. Small refused to name names, but hours later, a spokesperson confirmed that Norcross and a small group of investors, including Norcross’ two adult children, Lexie and Alex, were the buyers.

Trump Plaza Details Emerge

Atlantic County property records reveal that billionaire Carl Icahn sold the 10-acre Trump Plaza property to Norcross and his partners for about $5 million in September.

The transaction includes a 10-level, 2,658-space parking garage and the 21-story, 361-room former hotel that has sat vacant since it closed in 2014. Trump Plaza’s larger, older hotel tower was demolished in February 2021 after the 39-floor structure fell into disrepair and became a public hazard.

Levinson thinks Norcross could be the spark Atlantic City needs, especially in the wake of slot machines and live dealer table games coming to New York City and the Sheraton at the Atlantic City Convention Center possibly closing. The insurance businessman, political organizer, and power broker led the $1 billion overhaul of The Camden Waterfront, personally investing $50 million and relocating his insurance firm there.

“If George Norcross does half for Atlantic City as what he did for the waterfront in Camden, I’d be very satisfied,” Levinson said. “He gets things done. He sees a little further than others. He believes in Atlantic City. He has told me that.”

Trump Plaza Speculation

Norcross and his team have not yet revealed what they envision for the Trump Plaza site. Asked to speculate, Levinson said a casino hotel is unlikely.

Regardless of what Norcross sees, Levinson thinks the investment will raise up the Boardwalk and the city as a whole.

“When you build up an area, it becomes contagious, and others want to come in. He’s right in the center of the Boardwalk. Everything can branch out from there. I’m extremely pleased,” Levinson said.

“Everyone ought to thank him for believing in our area,” Levinson concluded.