The long-awaited construction of a casino in Norfolk, Virginia has cleared its final hurdle with city council approval. The $500 million project, which will be developed by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe in collaboration with Tennessee-based gaming company, Cordish Companies, is set to transform the city’s economic landscape and bring in much-needed revenue.
After months of negotiations and public hearings, the Norfolk City Council voted unanimously to approve the necessary permits for the casino’s construction. The project will see the development of a 300,000 square foot casino with 3,500 slot machines, 200 table games, and a 300-room hotel. Additionally, the development will feature a variety of dining options, entertainment venues, and a spa.
The casino is expected to create over 2,500 jobs in the city, providing much-needed employment opportunities for residents. It is also projected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the city through taxes and fees, which will be used to fund essential services and infrastructure projects.
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe, which has historically been marginalized and disenfranchised, sees the casino as a way to create economic opportunities for its members and reclaim some of its ancestral lands. The tribe has committed to hiring locally and working with minority-owned businesses in the construction and operation of the casino.
In a statement, Chief Robert Gray of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe expressed his gratitude for the community’s support and the city council’s approval of the project. He stated that the casino will not only benefit the tribe but also the city of Norfolk as a whole.
The construction is set to begin in the coming months, with the casino expected to open its doors to the public in 2023. The project has already generated significant excitement and anticipation among residents and local businesses, who see it as a major boost to the local economy.
As Norfolk prepares for the arrival of its first casino, city officials are working closely with the developers to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. The casino is expected to attract visitors from across the region, boosting tourism and bringing in much-needed revenue for the city.
Overall, the approval of the casino construction represents a major milestone for Norfolk and a significant step towards revitalizing the city’s economy. With the promise of jobs, revenue, and economic growth, the casino is poised to become a key player in the city’s future.