PETERSBURG, Va. – In a decisive show of support, Petersburg voters cast their ballots in favor of the proposed Live! Casino Resort on Tuesday, with an overwhelming 82% endorsement for the project. This overwhelming approval reflects a sense of optimism among residents, many of whom are hoping this new development will serve as an economic catalyst for the city.
Economic Expectations
Residents and city leaders alike are eagerly anticipating what the Live! Casino Resort will bring to Petersburg. Local opinion has largely focused on the potential economic boost this entertainment venue could provide. Many see it as a crucial step towards revitalization, with hopes that it will stimulate job creation and infuse much-needed revenue into the community.
Andrea Valencia, a Petersburg resident, expressed her optimism: “I feel good about it. I think it will be really good for the local economy and bring a lot of jobs to the area. I’m excited to see what’s going to happen.” Such sentiments are echoed widely in the city as residents await the opportunities the project promises.
Development Timeline and Job Creation
Following the positive vote, developers from The Cordish Companies announced their plans to initiate the permitting process and secure approvals from the City of Petersburg and the Virginia Lottery Commission. Zed Smith, the Chief Operating Officer of Cordish, noted, “Once we get those approvals we hope to start construction early next year.” With a primary goal to construct the casino portion first, developers aim for an opening date in early 2026.
Anticipated job creation is one of the project’s most significant selling points. According to Smith, the Live! Casino Resort is expected to yield approximately 6,000 construction jobs and around 1,500 permanent positions, complete with competitive salaries and benefits. Smith emphasized, “The best way up for a city like Petersburg is to create jobs, so people have the opportunity to work, make a decent salary, take care of their families. And that’s what we’re going to be offering the citizens here.”
Investment in the Community
The economic projections for the Live! Casino Resort are significant, with estimates of a $2.8 billion economic benefit to the region over the next decade. Smith further indicated that a portion of the tax revenue generated would be reinvested into the community, particularly to strengthen local services like the police force.
Petersburg is not just looking at the short-term benefits; co-developers Bruce Smith Enterprises and The Cordish Companies are committed to fostering long-term growth. Information sessions and partnerships with local colleges and universities are planned to create internship and job opportunities for students, helping retain talent in Central Virginia.
Concerns and Reassurances
While many residents are optimistic about the casino’s benefits, some critics have raised concerns regarding potential increases in crime associated with casinos. However, Smith refuted these claims, stating, “That’s a total myth. There’s a lot of studies that have been done on crime related to casinos. And actually, crime either stabilizes or goes down.” He assured that stringent security measures would be in place to ensure the safety of patrons and the surrounding community.
“It’s just, you know, it’s not Las Vegas. It’s not Atlantic City. These are regional casinos. And we work really hard to maintain a publicly safe environment for our guests,” he added.
Comprehensive Offerings at the Resort
Once completed, the Live! Casino Resort will encompass an impressive 400,000 square feet of gaming space, hotel accommodations, dining options, and a 3,000-seat entertainment venue. This vast development will be situated over 90 acres near the Wagner Road exit off I-95, along Brasfield Parkway, potentially transforming the area into a vibrant hub of activity.
Conclusion
The enthusiastic support from Petersburg voters marks a pivotal moment for the city. The Live! Casino Resort stands poised to be a game-changer, not only in terms of economic revitalization but also as a focal point for community engagement and growth. As Petersburg prepares for this transition, residents are hopeful that their investment will lead to a brighter, more prosperous future. With construction expected to start early next year and the casino aiming for an opening in early 2026, all eyes will be on Petersburg as it embarks on this exciting new chapter.
