To celebrate the return of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus to Atlantic City, Mayor Don Guardian played a game of Monopoly with the circus’ elephant Dutchess. Guardian told NJTV News Anchor Mary Alice Williams that whether he won or lost, he wanted to reward the elephant.

“I actually won,” said Guardian. “I’m a good-hearted spirit and I called and asked if the elephant ate shelled or un-shelled peanuts in case she won. I wanted to give her a reward.”

In the spirit of the game, Guardian said that he wore a top hat and cane because he wanted to mimic the game’s figure — Uncle Penny Bags.

As for Atlantic City’s economic situation, Guardian said that the decline of gaming began about five years ago. He said that the city went from $20 billion assessed value in properties to $11.2 billion. Guardian thinks that in about a year or two, properties will be assessed at about $9.5 billion.

A reevaluation of property values will be made and Guardian said that it will be done on a fair basis. Homeowners who didn’t not have an opportunity to pay for a tax appeal will have the opportunity to get the true value of their property, as will commercial properties. Casinos have already reached a reasonable assessment value, according to Guardian, and an agreement has been reached.

Guardian said that plans are in the works to bring more non-gaming activities into Atlantic City. One plan is a housing project that could provide the city with hundreds of new housing units.

“So about 450 units of new housing is coming now to help people and give people reasons to come back to Atlantic City,” said Guardian.

Guardian said that some properties that the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) once owned are going to the city and that they will be available for interested property owners.

“There’s a lot of individual properties that CRDA has bought up over the years. They’re giving those properties to the city of Atlantic City. We’re going to give them away for free to anyone who’s willing to build a home in two years and is willing to call this their primary residence for the next 10 years,” Guardian said.