Norfolk Casino Project Passes Milestone With ARB Approval

The project has received ARB approval by a 6-1 vote, moving it forward to the Norfolk Planning Commission. However, locals and experts are still debating the potential environmental impacts. They are concerned about preserving the natural environment, especially bird protection, and the visual impact of the future casino on the city’s waterfront.

The project is a partnership between the Pamunkey Tribe and Las Vegas casino operator Boyd Gaming. Boyd Gaming bought an 80% stake in the venture from Tennessee billionaire John Yarbrough, who previously partnered with the Pamunkey Tribe to build a casino in King William County. The new Norfolk casino project would occupy a 9.35-acre site adjacent to Harbor Park and replace previous plans for a tribal casino. The casino was made possible by a statewide vote in 2020 that authorized commercial casinos in five Virginia cities.

ARB members stressed the importance of finalizing all design details before final approval. One board member, Gregory Rutledge, called the project a future landmark for the Norfolk waterfront. However, he noted that the current design, while attractive, needs some work. It lacks details about the materials used and how the building will interact with the environment and people.

During the design discussions, environmental groups raised concerns about potential environmental impacts. The Cape Ornithological Club, for example, suggested changes to the building’s lighting to avoid confusing migratory birds that could crash into the building’s facade. Club spokesman Pat Scanlon urged developers to use bird-friendly lighting and architectural elements.

Despite all the problems, the project is already having a significant impact on the city. The land for the development was sold by Norfolk for $10.5 million. Plans call for a 200-room hotel, as well as a casino with 1,500 slot machines, 50 gaming tables, and a sportsbook. Meanwhile, Boyd Gaming intends to open a temporary casino next year while construction continues on the main building.

The final cost of the project will exceed the city's minimum requirement of $300 million, although Boyd Gaming has not yet disclosed the exact budget. The casino will compete with Rivers Casino Portsmouth, which opened in early 2023 nearby.