The Informed Norfolk Referendum Committee does not have a general opposition towards casinos. However, this grassroots community organization specifically opposes the establishment of the current casino being proposed in the city of Virginia, in anticipation of the upcoming referendum.
On November 3rd, Norfolk residents had the opportunity to approve the $500 million Norfolk Resort & Casino through a ballot measure, which would make a significant addition to the downtown riverfront area close to the Harbor Park baseball stadium.
Leading up to Election Day, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, the official partner for the Norfolk casino, has extensively spread pro-referendum messaging across the southeastern-Virginia city. Moreover, the tribe’s well-endowed committee has successfully garnered support from state lawmakers and local organizations through generous donations.
However, Informed Norfolk is making an effort to ensure that residents are presented with a comprehensive view, despite their limited resources.
Jackie Glass, a member and spokesperson of the Informed Norfolk committee, expressed that when discussing funds, it becomes a David vs. Goliath scenario. In contrast to having the resources to air radio advertisements all day and contribute to churches, we are lacking in the same level of funding.
This is the gap, and it represents the difference between what you possess and what you lack.
Glass, a proactive small business owner involved in community initiatives, points out that the matter at hand is not as straightforward as it may seem. It does not solely revolve around people’s support for the casino and the numerous commitments associated with it. According to her, it traces back to something more fundamental and uncomplicated.
She stated, “The opposition is not between yes and no, but rather between yes and transparency.”
Informed Norfolk’s opposition to the casino centers around three key factors: the process, the location, and the deal itself.
How Informed Norfolk came to be
For over a year, Informed Norfolk has existed in various iterations. The present group comprises numerous individuals who were formerly associated with Citizens for an Informed Norfolk.
The formation of the group came into effect when the Norfolk City Council sanctioned an agreement with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe on September 24, 2019. This act initiated the process for the envisioned casino and entertainment complex.
Last year, the first attempt of Informed Norfolk to persuade the city council to revoke a prior land sale agreement with the tribe was unsuccessful.
What were the reasons behind opposing the deal initially? As Glass pointed out, it had numerous deficiencies.
As stated on VoteNoCasinoNorfolk.com’s website, there are various alleged shortcomings.
- There is a lack of open competition or public participation.
- There has been no independent study conducted to assess the impact of the deal.
- The Pamunkey tribe’s lack of prior experience in casino projects.
- The allocation of tax funds
- Environmental and infrastructure costs
According to Glass, the various concerns raised are factors contributing to Informed Norfolk not being entirely opposed to the casino. It appears that there are residents who specifically object to the deal rather than opposing casino gaming entirely.
She expressed, “In my opinion, it’s a combination of both factors. Within our group, there are individuals who simply oppose the idea of having a casino. Meanwhile, others believe that regardless of the establishment being a Starbucks or a gas station, the process by which this deal occurred is flawed.”
Complementing or competing on Norfolk riverfront?
Many downtown businesses along the Elizabeth River have been major contributors to the support received by Informed Norfolk.
She stated that business owners understand the situation because the city failed to conduct an impartial economic impact analysis. They are aware that the consequences of this decision on their businesses are uncertain. This is just one aspect of the issue. We conducted such a study for Starbucks in the past, to be frank. However, no independent study was conducted for this casino. Instead, the developer was given the authority to carry it out.
It’s similar to purchasing a house and expecting the seller to handle the inspection. Personally, I wouldn’t rely on the seller to conduct the inspection. I prefer to hire my own professional for the job.
Glass expressed her concerns about the impact of casinos on attracting consumers and tourists to the area, highlighting that this doesn’t guarantee their interest in exploring other places. To gather more information, she conversed with individuals who frequently visit casinos in different locations. However, their responses disappointed her.
“Are you inclined to visit the town (while you’re at the casino)? Do you have any inclination to explore other restaurants or engage in other activities in that town?” she inquired. “The response is consistently negative. Therefore, why would you consider doing so here?”
If a casino is built in Norfolk, the absence of major professional sports teams and significant tourist attractions might provide fewer incentives for the guests to venture outside the complex.
Some of the restaurants in the Waterside District entertainment complex in downtown Norfolk are owned by Cordish Companies, such as Blue Moon Taphouse, Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse, and PBR Norfolk. Cordish Companies has offered support to Informed Norfolk, but independent restaurant owners have also contributed funds.
It’s bittersweet, Glass said:
The downtown restaurants have been our primary source of significant donations, which is truly touching, especially given the current state of the pandemic. It saddens us to accept money from these restaurants, considering the difficult situation they themselves are in. We understand that they may not have much to spare, yet they continue to support us out of genuine understanding and compassion.
Furthermore, casinos possess a distinct advantage as they can conveniently cater to individuals seeking entertainment, offering a comprehensive range of amenities within their premises, potentially accompanied by a direct access route.
Glass stated that the location of this place will be situated across from an interstate. He further emphasized the concept of casinos functioning as an incubator, where individuals stay, drink, sleep, and eat all within the same vicinity.
Life after Norfolk casino referendum
Glass, a former Navy cryptologist, clarified that she does not hold a personal opposition towards casinos in general.
Nevertheless, she acknowledged that ignoring their potential ripple effect is difficult.
“I don’t necessarily consider them to always be a negative proposition, but I do possess a clear understanding of the adverse effects they have on communities,” she remarked. “That aspect of it? I cannot genuinely express adoration or appreciation for the impact they have on communities. However, I also hold the belief that I am not accountable for someone else’s moral judgment. I do not subscribe to that notion. My belief lies in the democratic process, and I firmly believe that opposing the referendum is the correct course of action.”
Even if the voters ultimately choose to have the casino, Glass and her Informed Norfolk colleagues will continue their work tirelessly.
She stated that it is crucial to ensure accountability when discussing the process of reaching an agreement, in order to avoid any negative impact on the city and its residents.
What if Informed Norfolk’s endeavors succeed in influencing voters to vote against the referendum, resulting in its failure?
She stated that there is still a need for development. The city will require further development, and it is our responsibility to be responsible caretakers for our local leaders.
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