Norfolk city officials have finally allowed the local casino project to move forward after years in limbo. The project, which was proposed by Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, remained stuck for four years despite having secured voters’ favor.
The City Council Cleared the Project’s Development
At the recent Norfolk City Council meeting, city officials approved an ordinance that would grant a development certificate for the construction, greenlighting the next phase of development. The project was approved by a landslide with 7 votes for and 1 vote against.
Boyd and the Pamunkey’s project is set to be located at 200 Park Avenue, next to the local MLB stadium. The construction is expected to cost some $500 million and would boost the local economy by generating significant tax revenue and economic benefits.
As mentioned, the property had been stuck in limbo for years because of various regulatory and legal setbacks. The recent anti-flood measures along the Elizabeth River were another setback for Boyd and the Pamunkey’s casino.
The council’s approval is a significant milestone but not the end of the battle. The developers must now secure building permits before they are able to begin the construction work.
Boyd Will Run a Temporary Pavilion Casino
As mentioned, the Norfolk casino project was approved by the locals in 2020 with 65% support. The majority of councilors agreed that the project had been set back for too long, depriving Virginia of significant tax benefits. In the meantime, Rivers Casino in nearby Portsmouth has been generating tax revenue for over a year and a half.
As a result, Norfolk councilors decided to finally allow the project to move forward. The singular vote against the casino came from councilor Andria McClellan who has opposed the property for years. McClellan’s main issue with the casino is the owners’ decision to allow indoor smoking.
The initial project was the brainchild of Tennessee billionaire Jan Yarbrough and the tribe. Yarbrough, however, ended up selling his 80% share in the venture to Boyd Gaming. The latter company ended up revising the project and presenting the current plans for a resort with some 1,500 slots, 50 table games and a sportsbook.
In the meantime, Boyd and the Pamunkey will operate a temporary 7,200-square-foot pavilion tent casino in the parking lot of the to-be-constructed gaming property.