RICHMOND, Va. — Petersburg's hopes of getting a chance to hold a referendum on a casino are now effectively dead.
On Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee voted on the one remaining bill 10 to 6 to "pass by indefinitely", effectively killing the bill. The committee that made the vote on Thursday was the same one that killed Senator Joe Morrissey's version of the bill earlier in the session.
The motion was made by Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D - 18th).
"When we started down this path we all agreed that we will be more methodical about the way we go about establishing casinos in the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Lucas to the committee when making the motion.
"Disappointed that Petersburg voters were not given the opportunity to vote on a transformational economic development project," said Petersburg spokesperson Joanne Williams in a statement to CBS 6 after the vote.
“Our $1.4 billion urban revitalization project would be transformational for Petersburg, with 4,000 new jobs and millions of dollars in additional local and state tax revenue,” said Zed Smith, Chief Operating Officer of The Cordish Companies in a statement. Cordish was picked to build the Petersburg casino if approved. “As the General Assembly continues its deliberations, we hope the state’s elected leaders will explore every avenue to help provide this major economic development boost to Petersburg.”
Theoretically, this vote reopens the door for Richmond to hold another referendum, something that city leaders have said they want, even after voters rejected it in 2021.
“We appreciate the General Assembly’s careful, deliberate process and open mind in considering and addressing this important decision. For us, the process has always been about determining what is best for the Commonwealth and that answer has always been quite clear. Every study conducted has consistently revealed that a casino resort in Richmond will generate the most jobs, revenue, opportunity and economic benefits for the city, Central Virginia and the entire Commonwealth," said Urban One and Churchill Downs Incorporated in a joint statement. The two partners are behind the proposed Richmond casino. “Now, we turn our attention to a successful referendum in November. We are eager to share our vision for this project and its many benefits including thousands of quality jobs, millions for schools and tax relief, and revitalization of neighborhoods that have too often been left behind."
"I am enthusiastic about the potential opportunity of our city hosting another referendum on a casino. Such a project would bring increased jobs and revenue to a part of our city that has laid dormant long enough. The potential tax windfall generated could fund much-needed public programs and services as well as hold our real estate tax steady. In addition, the casino's presence would bring increased tourism to our city, as well as oversee a noticeable rise in our city's preexisting businesses. We are confident that a casino here will benefit our city and our commonwealth," said Council President and 9th District Representative Mike Jones in a statement.
However, those betting on Petersburg could look for help through the state budget, which is what happened last session when language was added preventing another Richmond referendum until a study was conducted (it since has and found that a casino could be supported in both cities).
Thursday evening, in a phone call with CBS 6, Morrissey said he was disappointed in the vote, he felt Petersburg would eventually win and was looking to the budget option.
"This is a long game and it will work out in the long game...I'm not going to let this temporary setback define us." said Morrissey, who added he surmises the budget negotiators from the House, which controlled by Republicans, could insert language into the budget that will, at least, continue to block Richmond from holding another referendum.
"Richmond is not going to have another chance to have a referendum until Petersburg gets a chance. And whether that's one years or five years, that's the way it's going to be...the democratic process would should allow Petersburg to get its shot before Richmond gets another shot," said Morrissey, who added he has not spoken directly to House negotiators about this option. "I am confident that there will be language in the budget and it doesn't have to come from the Senate. I think that the House is going to be pretty, pretty upset at what [the Senate has] done. And [the House will] put language in the budget and the budget cannot be agreed upon a lesson until both the House and the Senate agree."
A spokesperson for the City of Richmond said they are waiting for the budget process to play out.
"We oppose any legislation that attempts to deprive Richmond’s voters of the chance to be heard on this issue, or denies our residents the community benefits and economic opportunities such a project would provide to our city," the spokesperson added.
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