One of the amendments Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered Monday left state and Henrico County government officials “disappointed” and “confused.”
The governor removed language from the compromise budget bill legislators sent that would require locaities to hold referendums before approving licenses to construct or operate some gambling facilities in the commonwealth — despite his support for similar legislation last year.
State Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg (D–Henrico) spearheaded the effort to add this budget language, formerly known as Senate Bill 1223, while publicly objecting to the planned expansion of a Rosie’s gaming parlor in his district.
In an interview with VPM News, VanValkenburg said he plans to drum up more support from state lawmakers to override the governor’s decision.
“I continue to believe Henrico citizens should have a say, like citizens across Virginia do, on casinos,” VanValkenburg said. “I'm disappointed that the governor chose special interests over his own constituents but you know, we'll keep fighting. It's not over.”
As VPM News previously reported, Henrico officials have long opposed the new casino-like facility opening in the Brookland District — the result of a now-defunct permit allowance in local zoning. The planned development, originally proposed by Rosie’s original operator, would hold around 175 horse-betting machines (terminals similar to slot machines) at the Staples Mill Shopping Center.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed public displeasure over Churchill Downs Inc., the Kentucky-based operator that owns Rosie’s now, and its unwillingness to allow Henrico residents to voice concerns directly to the developer via public hearing or some other peer-led planning process.
“They seem to be allergic to hearing from the people that they wish to serve and that's, that's, it's disheartening,” Brookland Supervisor Dan Schmitt, chairman of the county’s board, told VPM News. “I have never held a public hearing where the case didn't get better.”
Although Youngkin’s veto was frustrating and confusing for Schmitt, he still believes people have the right to speak their opinion on what goes on in their neighborhood and that the same bipartisan coalition which supported VanValkenburg’s measure the first time around, will do so again.
“Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, you should support the right for folks to be heard, and if you don't, then you're siding with private industry and you're siding with private interests. I still have hope that those folks will see that,” Schmitt said.
In lieu of the General Assembly’s support, Schmitt said he’ll continue to stand up for his constituents, oppose the business obtaining licenses from Virginia’s ABC and the racing commission and mitigate the impacts the facility may have on residents in the future.
“You know, unfortunately, the fight continues, but that's what we're here for and I'll never stop that,” Schmitt said.
Despite receiving bipartisan support in the General Assembly, Youngkin cut VanValkenburg’s language from the budget draft. In a memo to House delegates, Youngkin described the measure as an “anti-business provision” for an “already approved” facility.
A spokesperson from Churchill Downs told VPM News that the company has received repeated confirmation that the project complies with all laws, regulations and requirements of both Henrico County and the commonwealth.
Henrico previously passed a referendum allowing pari-mutuel wagering, and the development process in Henrico at the time was the same process followed for Rosie’s gaming parlors in Richmond, Hampton, New Kent and Vinton.
“During months of engagement and discussions, county leadership accepted the project location and even requested a new distinct brand especially for this boutique, high-end gaming facility,” Churchill Downs shared in a statement.
The company added that the removed budget language would have “sent a very negative message to Virginia businesses that laws and regulations can change without warning even after projects have been approved, permits have been issued, and contracts have been signed.”
However, the language is not necessarily dead: A two-thirds majority in both General Assembly chambers can override Youngkin’s line-item veto. When state legislators reconvene April 2, VanValkenburg said he’s hopeful he and his colleagues can get the job done.
“It's not very often that the gubernatorial vetoes are overridden, but I think we've got a good message,” VanValkenburg told VPM News. “Our message is that the people should have a say, like they had everywhere else when these casinos are being built. I'm hopeful that that message will translate in a week at the state level.”
Roseshire is slated to open in Staples Mill Shopping Center later this year, but both Schmitt and VanValkenburg said they’ll continue to fight for residents' voices to be heard, especially for folks in the Brookland District where Roseshire is planned.
“This has been a bipartisan effort from the beginning,” Schmitt, a registered Republican, told VPM News. “Sen. VanValkenburg and I don’t agree on everything, but we certainly agree on supporting the people in which we represent.
