Richmond casino referendum too close to call: opponents have small lead over proponents
The Richmond casino referendum is too close to call. Most of the precincts in Richmond's West End and North Side voted against the proposal, while most of precincts on the South Side supported it. Urban One wants to build a $565 million casino with a 250-room luxury resort hotel in South Richmond. The company spent $2 million on media, campaign mail and volunteers.
Voters in Richmond are voting on a casino referendum. The referendum is too close to call. Pro-casino canvassers are encouraging people to vote yes. They are also encouraging voters to visit casinos in Maryland. Two of them live in Henrico County.
Richmond casino referendum is too close to call. Debra Winston voted for it because it will bring jobs to the area. Other voters said they know people who travel to casinos outside of Virginia.
Richmond's casino referendum is too close to call. The city rejected six casino proposals and chose Urban One. It's the first casino to be approved by a referendum in Richmond since state lawmakers passed a bill last year. The other cities approved casino ballot measures last years with majorities of 65% or greater. Residents near the two projects opposed the casino, raising concerns about traffic congestion and public safety. Some people accused the mayor of racism. Urban 1's project has a community benefits agreement that includes an immediate $25.5 million payment to the city if the referendum passes.