The project was controversial, as tunnel construction would displace homes in the Westside neighborhood, and local residents vowed to fight it. Its opponents described the project as an effort to destroy a community, while supporters claimed it was necessary to reduce traffic and create new jobs at the planned casino. Atlantic City Mayor Jim Whelan, a supporter, felt the project would benefit the city. Mirage offered each affected property owner on Horace J. Bryant Jr. Drive $200,000 for their homes, an offer five of the nine accepted. A lawsuit was filed against the company and the city, claiming the tunnel construction would require the demolition of "their stable, black neighborhood" and thus violate their rights.