SWEENEY, LESNIAK, MAZZEO & BURZICHELLI TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION NAMING ATLANTIC CITY’S BOARDWALK HALL IN HONOR OF SENATOR WHELAN

Designates Landmark as ‘Senator Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall’

TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Raymond Lesniak today announced plans to introduce legislation to dedicate Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall in honor of Senator Jim Whelan, who passed away August 22, after more than three decades of service to the state, at the age of 68.

The legislation, to be sponsored by Senator Sweeney, Senator Lesniak, Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo and Assembly Deputy Speaker John Burzichelli, will designate Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City as “Senator Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.” Senator-select Colin Bell will join as a sponsor once he is sworn-in as senator.

“Senator Whelan spent decades in public service fighting for the residents of the region and the city he loved. The transformation of Atlantic City we are seeing now is a result of his tireless work and will be part of his legacy,” said Senator Sweeney (D- Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland,). “Boardwalk Hall is one of Atlantic City’s most historic and revered places, and it is only fitting that Atlantic City’s biggest champion is honored by having his name forever associated with it.”

“I knew Jim Whelan from his first days in the Legislature and sat next to him in the Senate chambers for the past eight years and I can say with complete certainty that he was the most genuine person I have known,” said Senator Lesniak. “He did not try to command the spotlight, but he always commanded trust and respect. When Jim Whelan spoke – everyone listened. I will miss him greatly but his legacy and his memory will live on.”

“Everyone who knew Jim Whelan recognized just how deeply he cared about the people he represented, and that is part of what made him such an effective mayor and legislator,” said Assemblyman Burzichelli (D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland). “This designation will honor him in the best way we can, by dedicating Atlantic City’s iconic entertainment and sports venue to an icon in his own right.”

Senator Whelan was a teacher in Atlantic City and served as the city’s mayor for three terms. In 2006, he was elected to the state Assembly and became a senator two years later. He announced his retirement from the Legislature earlier this year.

As mayor, Whelan attracted more than $4.5 billion in new business starts and expansions that created thousands of jobs, and the city saw the resurgence and redevelopment of the city’s neighborhoods with new housing and new schools.

“Through his work as mayor, assemblyman and senator, Jim Whelan contributed immensely to the renaissance of Atlantic City, and he will forever be a part of its history,” said Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D-Atlantic). “Renaming this historic building is the perfect way to honor Senator Whelan for all of his contributions to the city, the district and its residents.”

Boardwalk Hall was built in 1929 to host the city’s growing convention industry.  The historic hall was touted an architectural marvel at that time. With its large 137 foot-high barrel vault ceiling, the Atlantic City Convention Hall as it was formerly known, laid claim to the world’s largest clear span space during that period.

Over the years, it became a sports and entertainment venue hosting the country’s first indoor college football game and drawing first-class performers, including Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen. In 1987, Boardwalk Hall was named a National Historic Landmark.

Boardwalk Hall is located at 2301 Boardwalk in Atlantic City.