The renewal entered into by the Trump Taj Mahal Casino and Resort and Atlantic Pier Amusements is a one-year lease. For the past 15 years, the Catanoso family has leased the pier to operate amusements, and has agreed to do so again, since it has not yet disassembled the operation.

“This is an excellent turn of events for the families who visit Atlantic City’s famous Boardwalk each summer,” notes Anthony Catanoso, president of Atlantic Pier Amusements. “The lights, rides and attractions will again be a beacon of family entertainment in Atlantic City in 2007.”

Donald Trump had planned to get rid of the family amusement pier, located across from the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk from the Trump Taj Mahal casino, to build hotel rooms, condominiums and restaurants. Indeed, his company still plans to redevelop the pier, but doesn’t yet have a timetable. Steel Pier is now scheduled to reopen in April, kicking off with an Easter Egg Hunt.

When news hit that 2006 could be the last season for the amusement operation and that the pier would go dark, many Atlantic City residents and visitors expressed sadness that a favourite destination so fondly rembered as an entertainment mecca would be lost. Not surprisingly, public feedback to the news that Steel Pier will be open again in 2007 has been largely positive, suggesting that those who have been to the summer hot spot in the past will welcome it back once again. Enjoy it while you can!

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