Early voting has begun in Virginia, and in Richmond, voters will determine by November 2 if they want Urban One Inc. to develop the proposed $565 million ONE Casino + Resort. Urban One is partnering with Los Angeles-based Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, owner and operator of the Colonial Downs racetrack and Rosie’s gaming emporiums.
Alfred Liggins, chief executive officer at Silver Spring, Maryland-based Urban One, noted the venue would be nation’s only majority Black-owned casino and resort. He said, “South Richmond has been waiting for an economic development opportunity of their own. Other sections of Richmond have seen tremendous growth in recent years, but that growth has not, to date, included South Richmond. ONE is going to be a catalyst for new jobs, critically needed tax revenue and additional economic development and opportunities in this part of the city.”
Liggins said he and his business partners will spend more than $1 million to win the referendum. Billboards, campaign mailers and television and radio ads highlight benefits such as $30 million in annual tax revenue for the city and 1,500 permanent jobs that pay an average of $55,000 per year.
Urban One also pledged to give the city an upfront payment of $25.5 million if the casino referendum passes. In addition to the casino, Urban One promised to build a 15,000-square-foot soundstage adjacent to the resort for film, TV and radio production, and said it would spend $50 million on productions there.
Democratic strategist and casino opponent Paul Goldman said Urban One and Peninsula Pacific wouldn’t be spending $1 million if their own polling indicated most people would vote for the project.
Those opposed to the casino includes the organization Richmond for All. Political Director Quinton Robbins, who lives two miles from the proposed casino site, said he has canvassed area voters and found there is “not necessarily a plurality of support” for the venue among voters. “This is another sort of bad deal the city has whipped up. “Casinos are extractive. They talk about also building an entertainment venue and recording studio there. That’s great and the kind of development we support but they’re coming here to build a casino.”
Robbins said his group also is concerned about the casino backers exerting influence on politicians. Since last year, Liggins and Urban One have donated about $100,000 to local and state politicians, mostly to key members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.
Robbins said Richmond for All has raised nearly $15,000 so far to counter the pro-casino campaign’s messaging. He said the group has reported $4,000 in campaign contributions. “We’ve got a history of being scrappy with limited resources.”
