Published on: October 7, 2024, 04:30h.
Last modified on: October 7, 2024, 03:12h.
The Richmond City Council is considering acquiring a property that was previously earmarked for a casino resort development.
A proposed ordinance was introduced by the nine-member council in its recent meeting, seeking approval for the city government to invest $5.5 million in obtaining 96 acres of partially developed land. This land is situated on the Southside of Richmond, adjacent to Commerce Road and Walmsley Boulevard on the west side of Interstate 95.
The council aims to revitalize the Southside, an area with high unemployment rates, lower household incomes compared to northern neighborhoods, and prevalent crime.
Councilor Kristen Nye (D-Southwest Richmond) emphasized the importance of economic development in the Southside following the unsuccessful casino projects.
The property, previously leased to Cogentrix Energy by Philip Morris USA, comprises land where a coal-fired power station once operated until its deactivation in 2020. Kinder Morgan currently leases about 40 acres of the property for petroleum product terminals.
In its 2024 fiscal budget, the Richmond City Council earmarked $10 million for fostering economic growth in the Southside.
Richmond City’s Casino Rejections
Richmond, along with four other cities, was designated by the Virginia General Assembly for a single casino resort under legislation enacted in 2020 by then-Governor Ralph Northam (D). This legislation aimed to provide cities in need of economic stimulus with the opportunity to host a casino resort.
However, a local referendum supporting the casino project was required before any development could proceed.
In 2021, over 51% of Richmonders voted against the One Casino + Resort project, proposed by Urban One and Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E). Urban One, a Black-owned media conglomerate, was initially involved in the project.
Following the sale of its assets and casino development rights to Churchill Downs, Inc. by P2E, the consortium, backed by the city council, presented a revised plan to Richmond residents in 2023, with Urban One still in the mix.
Despite these efforts, a majority of voters opposed the casino plan in the 2023 referendum, leading to legislation in Virginia prohibiting cities from holding multiple referendums on casino gambling.
Revitalizing the Southside
During the casino referendums, Southside residents were supportive of the casino resort, blaming wealthier neighborhoods north of the James River for the project’s failure.
City officials are determined to boost the Southside area. If the council approves the $5.5 million acquisition of Philip Morris’ property, the city plans to develop a recreational park and create space for commercial and civic growth with a focus on workforce development.
Councilor Nye highlighted the original vision for the land, emphasizing the inclusion of a park, walking trails, and accessibility for community use.
Richmond’s missed casino opportunity has shifted to Petersburg, where voters will soon decide on a casino proposal from The Cordish Companies, known for their Live! casinos in Maryland and Pennsylvania.