The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners on Monday night time unanimously authorised a rezoning request. The transfer will permit an undefined business enterprise to function on roughly 192 acres of land alongside US 220 north of Carefree Lane in Stokesdale.
A yard register opposition to a Rockingham on line casino is seen within the North Carolina county. Rockingham officers this week authorised a rezoning request that might pave the best way for a on line casino resort. (Picture: Spectrum Information)
On line casino.org final month reported on The Cordish Firms coming into right into a tentative buy settlement with a Rockingham landowner for the tract. It’s situated simply north of Camp Carefree, a free summer time camp for kids with disabilities and power sicknesses. Cordish is the agency behind the state entity known as NC Growth Holdings, the potential purchaser of the agricultural property.
Actual property listings present the property as “pending,” with an asking value of $5.5 million. Cordish operates Reside!-branded casinos in Maryland and Pennsylvania and leisure districts in quite a few states.
Republican leaders in Raleigh, particularly Senate President Professional Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), are attempting to persuade state lawmakers to legalize business casinos in three counties. Berger believes ending the state’s prohibition on business playing is warranted to maintain gaming cash and subsequent tax {dollars} from crossing the border to casinos opening in Virginia.
Land Use Authorized
Throngs of Rockingham residents and group members from neighboring counties got here out in full pressure Monday night time to oppose the rezoning request. Many space residents say they don’t desire a on line casino of their yard. Commissioners pressured that the rezoning request doesn’t authorize a playing institution.
Nonetheless, the rezoning does open the door to permitting Cordish to assemble a Las Vegas-style on line casino resort on the property ought to state lawmakers get behind Berger’s gaming push.
Many group members held up indicators Monday night encouraging the commissioners to vote in opposition to the rezoning software. “Hold Our Group Nice! NO CASINO!” the indicators learn.
Do what is correct,” mentioned Kelly Demry, a Rockingham County resident and mom of two. “When you don’t, you’ll get a ‘no’ vote from me for those who search reelection.”
Commissioners mentioned the realm has been focused for business improvement for greater than 1 / 4 of a century.
“We’ve had land-use plans since 1998, with that hall designated as a enterprise hall,” mentioned Commissioner Charlie Corridor. “As such, we’ve been transmitting that to the general public, to property homeowners, to potential buyers to say if you wish to look to place a enterprise right here, then look favorably on this space. We’re making an attempt to be in line with this messaging.”
Anybody might have bought this land. It’s been on the market,” added Commissioner Houston Barrow.
Commissioner Mark Richardson mentioned it’s the board’s duty “to do what’s proper” for the county’s 92K residents.
“It’s a tough job occasionally,” Richardson mentioned.
Berger’s son, Kevin, was one of many 5 commissioners who voted in favor of the rezoning request.
Financial Advantages
If authorised by the Normal Meeting, Berger’s on line casino invoice would require that every of the three business casinos make use of a minimal of 1,750 individuals. Berger additionally stresses that host counties would obtain thousands and thousands of {dollars} in new tax income from a playing and leisure district. Together with Rockingham, Nash and Anson counties are included in Berger’s gaming statute.
Rockingham residents voiced typical considerations that include new on line casino efforts, together with the potential of elevated crime, violence, and bankruptcies. Camp Carefree proprietor Chis Rodenbough mentioned a on line casino neighboring the camp would tarnish the idyllic setting.
“This isn’t one thing that’s going to be reversible. It’s going to be detrimental to this camp and to the group and to the individuals who dwell right here as a result of playing doesn’t convey out sweetness and lightweight,” Rodenbough mentioned.
