Exclusive: How Revel Owner Would Turn Vacant Casino Into World's Most Luxurious Refugee Camp
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (CBS) -- The most expensive hotel and casino in Atlantic City's history has gone bankrupt. The Revel Hotel and Casino sits empty and unused on one end of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, and now it's new owner wants to convert part of the space into the world's most luxurious refugee camp.
Glenn Straub agreed to give CBS3 an exclusive tour of the massive facility, as long as he did not appear on camera. He says he would allow 3000 refugees into part of the resort. Straub says they can stay as long as 18 months and their visit he hopes will be managed by the Red Cross.
One of the resort's Broadway theaters can seat 5000 people. Straub says that can be the area refugees are documented before they are brought to the living quarters. He plans to convert conference rooms into living areas complete with bunk beds. The hotel's rooms will not be used.
The Revel casino has laundry facilities, on-site dry cleaning and tailoring, multiple industrial kitchens and dining areas. Right now it all sits empty and available. Straub says those facilities would be used to clothe and feed those refugees he hopes to house here.
The U.S. State Department released this statement to CBS3 regarding Straub's plans:
"We are not aware of Mr. Straub's intention to offer his casino to house refugees. The Refugee Admissions Program provides assistance for resettled refugees for their first 30-90 days in the United States that includes placement in and funding for affordable, safe housing in the communities in which they have been resettled. It is essential in this transitional phase when a refugee first arrives that housing be identified that not only provides immediate accommodation, but also offers the refugee a place that they can continue to afford following the termination of initial resettlement benefits. Our refugee resettlement agencies across the country work with local contacts to secure safe and affordable housing, and we have not had cases where a refugee was unable to be resettled in the United States due to a lack of accommodation. We would be pleased to put Mr. Straub or any other concerned American in touch with their local resettlement agency, which can provide opportunities to assist refugees who are resettled in their communities."
Straub says he can have the resort ready for the 3000 refugees in just one week.