They’re just coming in here, trashing us hoping to make money, and then they're going to leave,” Goldman said Monday of the would-be developers.

“People are realizing they have no respect for the people of Richmond. In the waning days of the campaign, the developers had to apologize to a leading project opponent, longtime Democratic Party activist Paul Goldman, after a radio host on an Urban One station made widely condemned antisemitic remarks about Goldman. Opponents have raised an array of concerns, including an argument that casinos will extract wealth from the working class and exacerbate problem gambling. “We will be sprinting through the finish line on Election Day with a team of more than 250 canvassers knocking doors, making calls, and advocating for the good jobs and community investment that Richmond Grand will deliver,” said Tierra Ward, campaign manager for the pro-casino political committee Richmond Wins Vote Yes. The project has garnered support from business and labor organizations, some of the city's faith leaders, leading civil rights groups and the editorial board of Richmond's independent weekly newspaper focused on the Black community. The developers have said they are not seeking any publicly funded incentives or tax breaks, and city officials have said some of the revenue would be used to help promote affordable child care. The developers are also pledging $16 million in charitable donations over 10 years and expect the project will result in $30 million in annual tax revenue. Plans call for gambling options including slots, an on-site sportsbook and table games a 250-room hotel a 55-acre (22-hectare) outdoor park dining options and a 3,000-seat concert venue.īoosters estimate the casino will deliver 1,300 permanent jobs, and developers are promising big financial benefits.Īn agreement with the city calls for a one-time upfront $25.5 million payment if the referendum passes, with another $1 million after financing closes. It could also include local investors if the referendum passes. It's a joint venture between Urban One, a media company, and Churchill Downs, the Louisville-based operator of the Kentucky Derby that also runs gambling establishments across the country. The project - this time branded the Richmond Grand Resort and Casino - would be located on the same former tobacco company site just off I-95 in south Richmond that was identified in the first proposal.

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