Published on: November 21, 2024, 03:14h.
Last updated on: November 21, 2024, 03:24h.
Local officials in Northern Virginia’s Fairfax County are strongly opposing the idea of bringing a Las Vegas-style casino, resort, and convention center to Tysons.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently held a meeting to gather public opinions on the casino issue. Many residents and local leaders expressed strong opposition to the idea of introducing slot machines and table games.
Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert stated, “Join us in saying no. There are too many negatives associated with a casino.”
Residents of Vienna, particularly those near Tysons, are vocal about their disapproval of a casino, as reported by FFXNow, a reputable local news source for Fairfax County.
William Doolittle, president of The Rotonda Homeowners’ Association in McClean, emphasized, “We already have enough problems in Tyson. We don’t need a casino.”
Even if the casino bill proposed by state Sen. David Marsden passes and is approved by Gov. Ralph Northam, a casino can only be established after a local referendum.
Potential Casino Legislation
Marsden is anticipated to introduce a new casino bill, similar to the one from this year, aiming to expand the scope of Virginia’s casino law to include Fairfax County, specifically Tysons, as a suitable location for a casino. Currently, only select cities are permitted to host gambling activities.
Marsden predicts that property taxes for Fairfax residents will rise in the future as corporations in the county adjust their office leases. While many companies have started transitioning back to in-office work, some continue to offer flexible work arrangements.
Decreased office space demand post-pandemic is leading to lower property valuations and potentially reduced property tax payments for office buildings.
According to commercial real estate advisory firm Newmark, Northern Virginia recorded negative net absorption of commercial space in the third quarter, affecting various cities in the region.
Newmark’s report highlighted the challenges faced by landlords in attracting tenants due to limited capital for concessions and a shift in demand for office space quality.
Marsden believes that a casino resort and convention center could help offset future tax increases for Fairfax residents.
Supporting Perspectives
Despite opposition from residents, several unions in the area are backing Marsden’s casino proposal. Union representatives argue that a casino complex would create job opportunities, particularly for blue-collar workers, providing stable income and benefits.
Epaminondas Mouhanis, a board member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 26, emphasized the benefits of union jobs and urged support for the working class.