RICHMOND, Va. -- Only two casino proposals remain to be considered by the City of Richmond's Resort Casino Evaluation Panel, they announced Wednesday.
Bally’s Richmond Casino Resort, proposed at the site of Chippenham Parkway and Powhite Parkway, has been crossed off the shortlist.
Now, it's between Live! Casino & Hotel Richmond, proposed for N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Scott's Addition, and ONE Casino + Resort, proposed for 2001 Walmsley Boulevard.
Bally's had recently asked for community feedbackabout their proposed casino for South Richmond.
A group of citizens living in neighborhoods near the proposed site for Bally's held a protest against it earlier this month in Stratford Hills.
“The Evaluation Panel is no longer considering the Bally’s project or the Parkway Crossings site for a resort casino due to concerns about site access, environmental factors and required approvals from non-city entities that may not be granted or extend the project timeline,” said Leonard Sledge, Director of Richmond’s Department of Economic Development.
Bally's released the following statement about the decision
“We are disappointed and surprised in the Evaluation Panel’s decision. We are the best operator to partner with the City on this endeavor and we provided the largest financial package with the most economic benefit to RVA residents and business owners. We were deeply committed to this project, as well as to becoming a responsible neighbor and member of the Richmond community. Should the City reconsider its decision we would be pleased to reengage.”
When the deadline for proposals passed in February, the city received a total of six. They've narrowed down the proposals through several phases and continued community feedback.
The city said citizens are still encouraged to continue to share their comments on the proposed resort casino projects. Comments can be emailed to econdev@richmondgov.com.
The next phase of the city-led community engagement will start in May when the Evaluation Panel shares its recommended operator, location and terms of the deal.
