Petersburg casino project will be on upcoming November ballot

PETERSBURG, Va. (WWBT) - It’s official - a proposal to build a casino will be on the ballot for voters in Petersburg this November.

“I think that would be a good thing for the City of Petersburg if they put the casino on the ballot,” said Calvin Clark, a 23-year resident of Petersburg.

“I would really enjoy one,” said Kenneth Jones, who relocated to Petersburg two years ago. “I know where I’m from. They had just bought a Rivers Casino, and it was really fun to go to. It was really nice, and it brought a lot of jobs, as well, so I think it’ll bring a lot of jobs to the city.”

The proposed $1.4 billion Live! Casino Resort destination would be located off Interstate 95 at Wagner Road along Brasfield Parkway in the City of Petersburg.

“Today shows we are all in for economic growth, opportunity, and social mobility in Petersburg,” Sam Parham, Mayor of Petersburg, said.

In its first 10 years, if approved, developers anticipate the casino would generate:

• $2.8 billion in economic stimulus to the region
• $504 million in tax revenues, including $240 million to the City of Petersburg alone
• $802 million in economic benefits during construction
• $201 million in annual economic benefits each year after opening
• Over 7,5000 new construction and permanent jobs

“This is the right project at the right time for Petersburg,” City Manager March Altman said.

If most voters approve the project, co-developers Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies plan to complete the first phase by the end of next year.

The goal would be to start creating jobs and bringing revenue to Petersburg immediately.

And the phase one casino will be worked into the overall vision, which is significantly larger.

The planned project includes:

• More than 400,000 square feet of first-class gaming, hotel and dining space
• 35,000 square feet of meeting and convention space
• An upscale 200-room hotel featuring 20 suites, a resort pool and a fitness center
• 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines
• 46 live-action table games, including a 15-table poker room
• High-limit slot and table areas and a sportsbook
• A 3,000-seat state-of-the-art entertainment venue
• 8 food and entertainment options, including 3 spaces reserved for Petersburg restauranteurs and businesses
• Free surface parking

“I think the casino would be good for the economy and good for our area,” Jacky Edmonds, a Petersburg resident of 58 years, said. “We’ll have a boost in jobs, but I also think Petersburg needs to be developed in other ways as well, like focusing on the needs of our homeless population.”

Residents note there could also be some drawbacks to adding a casino.

“I am concerned about criminal activity and being close to 95 where the casino is proposed to be built,” Edmonds said. “Our police department definitely needs to be built up and strengthened.”

“I think the biggest drawback would be probably the gambling,” Clark said. “Gambling is always a critical sore spot for certain people, so I think that if they have things in place to help with support, gambling anonymous, things of that nature, that would be a great deal.”

The election is Nov. 5. That is when Petersburg residents will decide whether to roll the dice and take a chance on what leaders call a game-changing development.