The Proposed Casino in North Carolina Meets Opposition from Local Community
A North Carolina local community has been rallying against the potential construction of a casino resort, which could be proposed through state legislation. Rockingham County is one of three counties that may be chosen as a location for this commercial casino, if a bill currently being drafted by North Carolina Senate Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) is passed. Berger suggests this move would prevent revenue from casino gambling from flowing out of the state, into Virginia's casinos. Additionally, he believes the casino in Berger's home county might result in around 1,750 new jobs.
However, citizens of Rockingham gathered at Ellisboro Baptist Church in Madison this week to voice their opposition to the casino plan. One individual even stated that casinos are a symbol of the exploitation of poor individuals.
"We didn't ask for a casino," said another person from the crowd. "We're asking folks to respect what's going on in our neighborhood."
Casino Rumors
NC Development Holdings, an LLC associated with Baltimore-based Cordish Companies, petitioned the Rockingham County Planning Board last month. They requested to transform 193 acres of farmland on US 220, found north of Carefree Lane, into commercial property. Cordish hasn't shared their plans for the new area, but Berger's bill might give only one casino operator the right to build out the three casinos, potentially making Cordish the top contender. Cordish is known for its Live!-branded casinos, which are also home to shopping malls, dining areas, and entertainment districts in several states. They currently don't own any properties in North Carolina.
Republican Mark Walker, a former congressman who represented North Carolina in the United States House, questions the lack of transparency in this situation. Walker is launching a campaign to become the next Governor of the state, aiming to replace Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.
While approximately 500 people were in attendance at Tuesday's town hall, almost everyone spoke out against the possibility of a casino in Rockingham. The only supporter present was Stephen James, a professional poker player who pointed out the economic benefits from the two Harrah's tribal casinos in the southwestern part of the state for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He also notes that casinos offer more than just gambling opportunities, as they provide new entertainment, dining, and lodging options to remote regions.
Rezoning Request
The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners is set to vote on Cordish's request to rezone the farmland during their meeting on August 21st. Persons in favor of the conversion are not likely to prevail. The County Planning Board had previously voted 5-2 against the project and recommended that the commissioners reject the application.
The farmland in question is near Camp Carefree, a summer camp for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
"We're not Las Vegas. We don't want to be Las Vegas," Camp Carefree owner Chris Rodenbaugh voiced his concern. There are also other plots in Rockingham County that could be targeted by Cordish. The other two counties expected to be designated as permissible casino locations by Berger's bill are Anson and Nash.
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Source: www.casino.org
