In the heart of Central Virginia, the city of Petersburg has been making strides toward establishing a $1.4 billion Live! Casino Resort. However, recent legislative developments have sparked controversy among local residents. Delegate Mike Cherry introduced HB2232, which aims to establish a "Tri-Cities Improvement Commission" to distribute gaming tax revenue equally across multiple jurisdictions. This proposal has faced strong opposition from long-time residents like Mamie Hamilton, who argue that Petersburg should retain the benefits it fought for. The city government and former campaign manager Ja’Scotta Jefferson also voiced concerns over the bill's implications on economic development and voter intentions.

Controversy Erupts Over Proposed Revenue Distribution

In the vibrant autumn season, the city of Petersburg finds itself at the center of a heated debate regarding the proposed distribution of casino-generated funds. Two months after securing enough votes to proceed with the Live! Casino Resort project, tensions have risen following the introduction of HB2232 by Colonial Heights Delegate Mike Cherry. This legislation seeks to create a commission tasked with evenly allocating gaming tax revenue to fund improvement projects in Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Dinwiddie, and Prince George counties.

Mamie Hamilton, a dedicated resident of Petersburg, expressed her dissatisfaction with the bill. She emphasized that the city had worked tirelessly to secure the casino project and now feels that its efforts are being undermined. “We earned what we fought for,” she asserted. Hamilton spent over six weeks rallying support for the casino initiative, believing that the revenue generated should benefit only Petersburg.

The city of Petersburg issued a statement condemning the bill, arguing that it strips the city of its economic development potential and disregards the will of voters. Former campaign manager Ja’Scotta Jefferson echoed similar sentiments, noting that other localities had the opportunity to host the casino but ultimately, Petersburg was chosen. “It just doesn’t make any sense to see legislation like this splitting up the benefits when Petersburg did all the work,” Jefferson remarked.

The Live! Casino Resort is set to be constructed on a sprawling 92-acre site near the intersection of Wagner Road and Brasfield Parkway. It represents a significant milestone for the region, marking the largest casino resort investment led by a minority-owned business group in the country. Despite the progress, residents are actively signing letters to express their concerns to Delegate Kim Taylor, who has not yet commented publicly on the matter.

As the debate continues, many residents are eager for clarity from their elected officials. Delegate Mike Cherry has promised a press release later in the week, while Delegate Kim Taylor remains silent on the issue. The community awaits further developments with anticipation, hoping for a resolution that honors the hard-fought achievements of Petersburg.

From a journalist’s perspective, this situation underscores the importance of balancing regional development with respecting the autonomy of local communities. While the intention behind the bill may aim to foster equitable growth, it raises questions about the fairness of distributing resources that were specifically pursued by one locality. It serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics involved in legislative decisions and the need for transparent communication between elected officials and their constituents.