NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk Planning Commission voted 5-1 Thursday to recommend approval for the soon-to-be casino's development certificate. It voted 4-2, approving the facility's design review application.
This came after architects and engineers presented detailed plans for the site, from the building structure to parking and traffic flow, during a work session and public hearing.
Plans are moving forward after Norfolk City Council approved a new development agreement between the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming earlier this month.
Before Thursday's vote went through, there were several sticking points and questions raised by commissioners. The first is the casino operators' plans to allow smoking inside the facility.
Planning Commission Chair Kevin Murphy told presenters, "in the recent past, smoking has been prohibited in all the restaurants, and that's created a better environment, a healthier environment for all patrons. It seems like a step in the wrong direction, toward the past, to allow smoking."
That hesitation led to the group unanimously approving an amendment proposal to the performance standards text that would prohibit smoking and vaping at the casino, as well as the sale of those products.
Planning Commission Vice-Chair Kim Sudderth also raised concerns about the security around the casino property, as the site will be near the Elizabeth River Trail. She expressed concern for people who walk the trail early in the morning, who may be mistaken for vulnerable winners.
"My concern is that there’s a very dark area between the proposed casino site and where I walk in the morning," Sudderth said.
Those presenting explained the Elizabeth River Trail is city property, but added the casino's performance standards require a written security plan be provided to local police.
The City Council must also vote on the development certificate for construction to begin.
