Portsmouth to Rename Street Close to Casino in Honor of Lawmaker Advocating for Gaming
Municipality officials in Portsmouth, Virginia, are altering the name of a road close to the city's casino to honor the state legislator who worked relentlessly for the legalization of slots, card games, and wagering on sports.
No Virginia politician has been more proactive in supporting gambling for many years than state Senator L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth). This pathbreaker - Virginia's first female and African-American lawmaker to become the Senate president pro tempore - spearheaded the 2020 statute that empowers casinos in selected cities, such as Portsmouth. This led to her nickname as Virginia's 'casino lady.'
Lucas had long aspired to establish a casino in the Hampton Roads area. The 2020 legislation, Senate Bill 36, made this goal a reality. Alongside Portsmouth, the gambling package permits a casino in neighboring Norfolk.
In January 2023, Rivers Casino Portsmouth made history by opening as Virginia's first permanent casino. Managed by Rush Street Gaming from Chicago, this $340 million facility earned nearly a quarter of a billion dollars from players in its first year and yielded more than $15 million in local tax revenue for Portsmouth.
Renaming the Street
In a recent meeting, the Portsmouth City Council voted unanimously in favor of a resolution to rebrand a small stretch of road measuring around two-tenths of a mile near the Rivers Casino. Currently referred to as TCC Dr., this street is primarily used as the main access point to Tidewater Community College.
The street will soon be renamed L. Louise Lucas Drive. The lawmaker prefers to be addressed as Lillie.
Lucas, a Portsmouth native, expressed deep gratitude for the road renaming in her hometown. She remarked to X that it has been an incredible 20-year journey to achieve legislation allowing the inauguration of the Commonwealth's first casino in Portsmouth.
Lucas also told The Virginian-Pilot that receiving this recognition in her hometown is "the greatest honor."
After going past the main entrance to the community college, TCC Dr. leads to Freedom Avenue and the primary access point for the Rivers Casino.
Portsmouth's authorities have recently been active in notifying juntas with newer names: in 2022 they renamed a road after renowned rapper Missy Elliott. A Portsmouth native, Missy Elliott Blvd. also encircles the Rivers Casino complex.
Lucas' Life Story
The city's decision to name a street after its long-serving state legislator is appropriate, city representatives assert. They highlighted Lucas' unwavering dedication to enhancing Portsmouth and the Hampton Roads region and her standing as a pillar of the community.
City Councillor Vernon Tillage exclaimed, "She's not only Portsmouth history, she's African-American history, and she's Virginia history. I know that people may have different political views, but to put all of that aside, this woman has surmounted and exceeded."
Aside from being the first female and African-American person to serve as president pro tempore in the Virginia Senate, Lucas was also the first African-American woman on the Portsmouth City Council when she was appointed to the local government in 1984. She garnered her position in the Senate and has now held it since January 1992.
Prior to her political career, Lucas obtained Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees focused on Human Resources Planning and Administration from Norfolk State University. She worked at Old Dominion University and Norfolk State before embarking on politics.
Lucas' name is also connected with the Lucas Lodge, an institution offering assistance to adults with disabilities. She serves as the Lodge's executive director. [executed: true]
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