Silver Spring’s Urban One and its proposal for ONE Casino + Resort in Richmond, Va. has been recommended by the city’s Resort Casino Evaluation Panel as the preferred operator, the city announced yesterday.
“ONE Casino + Resort presents a tremendous opportunity to develop a resort casino project in Richmond,” said Mayor Levar Stoney in the statement, showing his support for the choice. “The project will create over 1,000 good-paying jobs, generate a significant amount of new revenue for the city, and establish an additional economic engine in South Richmond.”
Urban One made the proposal in a partnership with Peninsula Pacific entertainment, which owns and operates several casinos and Colonial Downs racetrack.
“ONE is thrilled the Richmond casino selection committee has chosen the best project with the best location and best team to develop a world-class entertainment destination in Richmond’s Southside,” said Alfred Liggins, CEO of Urban One in the statement. “Urban One and our diverse group of local investors are fully committed to creating good paying jobs with profit-sharing for employees, pathways to successful careers, and generating significant new tax revenues that can improve Richmond’s schools and fund community programs and infrastructure.”
According to the city’s website, the proposal includes:
- 9 million square foot development on 100 Acres
- 100,000 square foot casino
- 2,000 slot machines, 110 table games, including poker and a sports book
- 250 room hotel with ability to expand to 600 rooms
- Resort-style spa & salon retreat
- 15 bars & restaurants
- 3,000 capacity event center
- 200 entertainment events annually
- 55 acre park and green space, and
- TV & radio production studios.
Under the terms of state legislation allowing the city to open a casino, the City Council will be asked to petition the court to permit a referendum on approving casino gaming in Richmond during the Nov. 2 election, according to the Washington Business Journal, which first reported the news locally.
Urban One’s media brands include TV One, Radio One, Reach Media, iOne Digital or One Solution. The company claims to reach 82% of Black Americans with its outlets, including in Richmond.
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