Casino comeback: Breaking down Richmond’s revival of Urban ONE casino project
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The majority of Richmond City Councilmembers voted to pass a resolution and two ordinances related to the revival of the Urban ONE casino project. The only councilmember who voted against the casino related items was Katherine Jordan. RVA Entertainment Holdings, LLC was selected as Richmond’s preferred casino gaming operator.
Richmond property owners will get a $25 million tax reduction. The money will be used to pay for the development of ONE Casino + Resort. Ann-Frances Lambert would not vote for a casino re-vote without a significant change to the deal that was voted down last November. Allan-Charles Chipman, who previously ran for Richmond City Council’s 6th District seat, argued that casino would perpetuate economic exploitation. He also said that Southside deserves the same dignity as other parts of the city without it. 8News Political Analyst Richard Meagher said a tax rate reduction for residents could be an option separate from a renewed casino vote.
Richmond is proposing a two-cent tax rate reduction to bring the One Casino to the city. The money will be used for one-time capital improvement projects for Richmond City Public Schools and the City of Richmond.
In November, 50.95% of Richmond voters voted against the ONE Casino + Resort, while 49.05% voted in favor. Lambert voted for a potential re-vote Monday night. Trammell believes the people voted it down because they didn't fully understand the benefits of the project. Meagher and Chipman argue that considering another vote on a casino in Richmond just a few months after the majority of residents said “no” to the proposal is anti-democratic.
The new deal between Urban ONE and the City includes a 2 cent reduction in property taxes. The property tax relief is something that could benefit every household in the city of Richmond. It would be unwise to cut any city services during an inflationary crisis and a global pandemic. The voters should decide if they want propertyTax relief or no casino and resort.
Urban ONE wants to revive the ONE Casino + Resort in Richmond. The company's CEO Alfred Liggins said in the Richmond City Council meeting on Monday that the company has an established track record of bringing opportunity and equity to the community. Sen. Joe Morrissey wants the project to be moved to Petersburg. He has introduced a bill in General Assembly that would block the City of Richmond from holding another vote for five years.
Richmond's City Council voted to petition the Circuit Court to allow another vote on the Urban ONE casino project. The project will bring thousands of jobs and much-needed tax revenues to the City of Richmond. City staff proposed a two-cent tax rate reduction and additional one-time capital projects for Richmond City Public Schools and the city of the Richmond yesterday.
