The Atlantic City plan promoted by Gov. Chris Christie envisions an Atlantic City that has adult entertainment in and around casinos, a Vegas-style nightclub area downtown - and fun for families and kids on the Boardwalk.
Some people (including amusement operators in Wildwood and Ocean City) are skeptical the two will - or should - coexist.
They may be right. But one thing is certain: Atlantic City is getting the "adult" part down pretty well, judging from our recent story on the "X Burlesque" show inside Showboat and other Vegas-style shows in casinos.
One question raised in the story is whether the state should allow the kinds of topless shows that Vegas has.
Should it? Frankly, it doesn't offend me. I wouldn't go, but if some people do, so what?
But here's the problem: I can't quite see topless dancing - even in a downtown "Vegas-style nightclub area" - coexisting with the kiddie carnival envisioned a few blocks away. So don't expect topless to be in the cards anytime soon, not if the state sticks to the plan to attract more family-friendly attractions.
Here's hoping that Atlantic City can really be the kind of town Christie is pushing for it to be - a family-friendly resort with gambling and other adult attractions.
But if it can't, I know which kinds of attractions I'm betting on.
