Rockingham County, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is currently facing a legal battle over the proposed rezoning of nearly 200 acres of land for the construction of a casino.
The lawsuit, filed by several residents of the county, alleges that the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners ignored legal requirements and potential conflicts of interest when approving the rezoning application. In response to the allegations, the county has issued a statement defending its decision and expressing confidence in the legality of the rezoning.
The controversy surrounding the proposed casino site began on August 21, when the board voted in favor of rezoning the land despite significant public opposition. The rezoned area is located near Camp Carefree, a camp for special needs children, and surrounded by residential homes. The decision drew criticism from various quarters, including Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, who is currently running for lieutenant governor.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that the county commissioners failed to adhere to basic legal requirements when approving the rezoning application. They claim that the application, submitted by NC Development Holdings, a company linked to the Cordish Companies, a gambling development company, should not have been approved due to potential conflicts of interest.
It is alleged that Cordish-affiliated entities made campaign donations to several politicians involved in the approval process, including Senate Leader Phil Berger and his son Kevin, who serves on the County Board of Commissioners.
Campaign data reveals that between November 2022 and March 2023, at least eight lawmakers collectively received over $34,000 in donations from individuals linked to Cordish. Notably, Senate Leader Phil Berger received $5,600 from Cordish Gaming Group CEO Joseph Weinberg. These financial contributions raise concerns about the impartiality of the decision-making process and the potential influence of money on the rezoning approval.
In response to the allegations, Rockingham County issued a press release asserting its belief that the rezoning decision was error-free and expressing confidence in the legality of the process. The county emphasizes that the rezoned property is located along future Interstate 73, a four-lane divided highway, and has been earmarked as a future growth area for decades. According to the county’s statement, all public comments submitted or expressed during the rezoning process were duly considered.
The county also highlights that the plaintiffs have not only sued the county but also the children of the founders of Camp Carefree, seeking to set aside the rezoning of their property. The county plans to issue a legal response to the lawsuit by December 22, further asserting that it expects the court to agree with its position and dismiss the case.
Opponents of the proposed casino site have voiced their concerns about the potential impact on the community, particularly in relation to the proximity of the casino to Camp Carefree. Citizens for Good Growth, a group advocating for responsible development, expressed disappointment with local and state officials for supporting a casino next to a beloved children’s camp that has served disabled and special needs children for almost four decades. They argue that elected officials should prioritize community preservation and transparency, and question the judgment of those who believe the casino is a suitable neighbor for the camp.
