North Carolina Town May Welcome Casino with Rockingham Officials Approval
The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a rezoning request on Monday night. This decision permits an undetermined commercial venture to operate on about 192 acres of land situated alongside US 220, north of Carefree Lane in Stokesdale.
The Cordish Companies have recently entered into a provisional purchase agreement with a Rockingham landowner for this tract. It's positioned near Camp Carefree, a free summer camp catering to children with disabilities and long-term illnesses. The Cordish Company, which owns NC Development Holdings - the possible buyer, is also associated with live!-branded casinos in Maryland and Pennsylvania as well as entertainment districts in numerous states.
Listings of this property display it as "pending" with an inquired price of $5.5 million.
Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) is actively seeking to persuade lawmakers in Raleigh to approve commercial casinos in three counties. Berger contends that lifting the state's gambling prohibition is justified to retain gaming money and corresponding tax revenues from moving to Virginia's casinos.
Land Utilization Authorized
Hordes of Rockingham residents and residents from nearby towns attended Monday's meeting to protest the rezoning application. Numerous residents expressed their trepidation regarding the possible installation of a casino nearby. Commissioners highlighted that the rezoning request does not sanction a gambling center.
Nonetheless, rezoning paves the way for Cordish to construct a Las Vegas-style casino resort on this property, provided the state legislature approves Berger's gambling initiative.
Demonstrators exhibited signs urging the commissioners to reject the rezoning application. "Keep Our Community Great! NO CASINO!" these signs declared.
Local resident, Kelly Demry, spoke out, "Do the right thing." If you don't, I'll consider you for a 'no' vote in any future elections."
Commissioners argued that the area has been earmarked for commercial development for more than 25 years.
"Since 1998, we've been devising land-use plans, with this section designated as a business district," stated Commissioner Charlie Hall. "We've been transmitting this information to the public, to property owners, and prospective investors, stating that if you want to set up a business here, then consider this region. We're simply trying to remain consistent with the messaging we've been sending out."
Commissioner Houston Barrow added, "Anyone could've acquired this property. It's been for sale."
Commissioner Mark Richardson believed it to be their duty "to act justly" for the county's 92k residents.
"It can be challenging on occasion," Richardson remarked.
Berger's son, Kevin, was one of the five commissioners who endorsed the rezoning decision.
Economic Gains
Berger's gaming proposal, if passed by the General Assembly, requires each of the three commercial casinos to hire a minimum of 1,750 people. Additionally, Berger emphasizes that the host counties will receive millions of dollars in new tax proceeds from a gaming and entertainment district. Along with Rockingham, Nash and Anson counties are also mentioned in Berger's gaming bill.
Residents aired concerns prevalent in new casino endeavors, such as elevated crime rates, violence, and bankruptcies. Camp Carefree's proprietor, Chris Rodenbough, suggested that a casino adjacent to the camp would ruin the tranquil atmosphere.
"This isn't something that could be undone. It would be injurious to this camp, to the community, and to the residents in this region since gambling doesn't foster amiability but rather discord," Rodenbough insisted. Rodenbough's full statement can be read here.[
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Source: www.casino.org
