The details of Baltimore-based Cordish Companies’ proposed casino resort in Petersburg, Virginia will be unveiled on November 1 at a community meeting at the Petersburg Public Library, officials said.
The city council recently held a special meeting where it unanimously approved a proposal to “explore the partnership” with Cordish to develop a $350 million or more casino resort at an undisclosed location in Petersburg.
The council also approved a contract, retroactive to July, with the Speller Consulting Group LLC, “for the evaluation, review and consultation as it relates to the selection of a casino destination economic development project.”
The council vote was held one day after the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission issued a study indicating Petersburg could develop a casino resort under a 2020 law allowing five casinos in the state. The legislature would have to approve a casino in Petersburg.
The study also reaffirmed Richmond as one of the five approved casino host cities, even if Petersburg also would develop a casino. Senate Finance Chair Janet Howell declared that situation would lead to “a brawl” when the legislature convenes in January.
Richmond voters narrowly rejected the proposed $565 million ONE Casino and Resort in a referendum last year. Casinos in the other approved cities are open or on their way. However, Richmond officials said they haven’t given up. City officials tried to put a second referendum on the November ballot but withdrew it after lawmakers included language in the state budget blocking a second vote until JLARC completed its study of a potential Petersburg casino. Jim Nolan, press secretary for Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, said, “We are committed to our selection of ONE Casino and Resort to develop an entertainment destination in South Richmond.”
State Senator Joe Morrissey sponsored the provision in the budget bill blocking the second Richmond referendum. He already has filed legislation, Senate Bill 780, that would substitute Petersburg for Richmond as one of five casino host cities if local voters approve and block Richmond from holding a second referendum at least until after Petersburg voters have their say next fall.
The JLARC study showed a Petersburg casino could generate $204 million in gaming revenue and create 1,300 jobs in Richmond. But those numbers fall to $140 million in revenue and about 1,000 jobs if Richmond also operated a casino.
Former Delegate Lashrecse Aird, who is challenging Morrissey for the Democratic nomination in his Senate reelection bid next fall, said, “There are too many questions that remain unanswered. The fact that this has been approved and this is the first meeting, it seems like the process is backwards and lacks transparency, which is definitely concerning. Petersburg residents want to know if all the hype is a reality.”
