Bad News Cycle
Perhaps it was too good to be true. Atlantic City had been in a good news cycle for months. The news of hotel room expansions, new casinos in development, the speculation about a blockbuster deal between The Donald and Steve Wynn were recent news flashes. Overall the current revitalization of Atlantic City, with more high end dining and shopping including the Walk, the Quarter at the Trop and the Pier at Caesars, had led to numerous stories, including glowing reports in the Washington Post and New York Times about “the new Atlantic City.”
Then along comes the discovery of the bodies of four women behind the rundown motels on the north side the Black Horse Pike in that little finger of Egg Harbor Township known as West Atlantic City.
Now when I turn on the news, including the national broadcasts, if Atlantic City is mentioned, it is in regards to the serial killer stalking crack-smoking prostitutes and dumping the bodies out of town in an area that is being characterized as being known for drug use. I don’t want to sound like the mayor from the movie Jaws, but it is frustrating to see AC get such bad press again. The town has had its troubles and has risen from the ashes many times. Just when it looked like we were finally back on top, here comes this sick pervert who wants to kill women, reminding us that there is always a dirty alley just down the block from a glittering casino. I look forward to this monster being caught and punished for many reasons, not the least of which is that I work in West Atlantic City, just across the street and a block down from the crime scene. It is usually after dark when I walk to my car in the parking lot. Of more concern, my mother picks me up several days a week, and occasionally, she will have to sit a few minutes waiting for me. While I don’t really think she is in danger, it makes you more cautious. It also makes me sad that AC is in a bad news cycle once again. Here’s hoping that the local police and the FBI can find this guy soon, so we can get back to appreciating this region for all its good qualities.
Later