Norfolk City Council Greenlights Pamunkey Tribe Gaming Casino

Norfolk City Council Approves Major Pamunkey Tribe and Boyd Gaming Casino Project Near Harbor Park

The long-awaited Norfolk casino project has taken a significant step forward. On Tuesday, the Norfolk City Council approved a pivotal purchase and development agreement with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming Corporation, greenlighting the construction of a $500 million waterfront casino near Harbor Park. With a 7-1 vote, the council’s decision promises to bring substantial economic benefits, thousands of jobs, and a revitalized waterfront to Norfolk, while addressing a long-overlooked gaming market in the mid-Atlantic region.

A Transformative Project for Norfolk’s Waterfront

Boyd Gaming, partnering with the Pamunkey Tribe through Golden Eagle Consulting II, LLC, plans to develop a top-tier gaming and entertainment complex. The project will feature 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 200-room hotel, and eight food and beverage outlets. This ambitious endeavor is projected to create more than 3,500 jobs and contribute $230 million annually in wages and sales, positioning it as a key driver of Norfolk’s economic future.

Keith Smith, President and CEO of Boyd Gaming, expressed excitement about the council’s decision, emphasizing the untapped potential of the local market. “We are pleased to take this important step forward in helping the Pamunkey Indian Tribe realize its vision of a best-in-class gaming resort,” Smith said. “The greater Norfolk area is one of the largest underserved gaming markets in the mid-Atlantic region and represents a compelling opportunity to further expand and diversify our company’s nationwide presence.”

Economic Impact and Community Revitalization

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander hailed the approval as a transformative moment for the city, underscoring the project’s potential to generate millions in tax revenue, create numerous jobs, and rejuvenate the city’s waterfront. “Boyd Gaming Corporation, in partnership with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, is set to deliver a premier destination that will generate millions of dollars in tax revenues, create numerous jobs, and revitalize our waterfront,” Alexander noted.

The casino, branded as Project Mermaid, has been envisioned as more than just a gaming facility. It is expected to be a dynamic entertainment hub, attracting tourists and locals alike, while also creating significant new streams of tax revenue for the city. These funds are anticipated to support public services, education, and infrastructure improvements, enhancing the quality of life in Norfolk.

Opposition and Ongoing Concerns

Despite the overwhelming support, not all council members were on board. Councilwoman Andria McClellan cast the lone dissenting vote, expressing concerns about the potential impact on public services and the risk of problem gambling. “I believe this is going to create an undue burden on our over-taxed police department, 911 call center, and fire & rescue,” McClellan stated. “Concerns about public safety, the stress a casino will put on the adjacent neighborhood, and the worry that problem gambling will hurt those who can least afford it remain unchanged.”

Moreover, the Norfolk Architectural Review Board has delayed a vote on the casino’s design, citing the need for additional modifications. The board’s decision will be revisited on September 23, further highlighting the ongoing challenges that the project faces before construction can fully commence.

A Vision Set for 2025

The casino project has faced delays since voters approved it in 2020, but the recent council approval marks a crucial step towards realization. Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Tribe have committed to delivering a state-of-the-art entertainment complex that not only bolsters Norfolk’s economy but also sets a new standard for gaming resorts in the region. The construction is slated for completion by 2025, with the promise of transforming Norfolk’s waterfront into a bustling economic hub.

Norfolk’s approval of the Pamunkey Tribe and Boyd Gaming’s casino project marks a milestone in the city’s economic development strategy. While challenges remain, particularly concerning public safety and community impact, the promise of thousands of jobs, substantial tax revenue, and a revitalized waterfront make this project a significant investment in Norfolk’s future. As the city moves forward with Project Mermaid, all eyes will be on how this landmark development reshapes Norfolk’s landscape and delivers on its economic promises.