Judge Grants Request for Another Richmond Casino Referendum
A judge in Richmond, Virginia, has granted the council’s request to hold another referendum on a casino in November this year.
Earlier this year, Richmond city council has decided to push ahead with the proposed Urban One Casino and Resort, despite losing a close referendum vote last November. This judgment has been welcomed by local officials in Richmond, including the mayor.
This special economic development opportunity in South Richmond gives the city an additional way to address equity and community wealth gaps, As the city continues to work on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the casino project can assist with leveling the playing field for many Richmonders who continue to struggle during these uncertain and unprecedented times.
The original plan for the Urban One Casino, costing around $560m, was to include 90,000 square feet of casino floor, around 100 gaming tables, over 2,000 slot machines, and a sportsbook. There were also plans for a hotel with up to 600 rooms, of which around 200 would be at the luxury end of the market. Other benefits to the local economy would be the estimated 1,500 jobs created and $30 million a year in tax revenue.
In November last year, the residents of Richmond voted ‘no’ in a referendum to the Urban One Casino plans by a narrow margin of 51.4%. As the vote was so close, the council has decided to have another go at the proposal believing they could galvanize the ‘yes’ voters to turn out in higher numbers.
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