PETERSBURG, Va. — The Cornish Company is urging voters in Petersburg to support a proposed casino officials say could bring jobs and revenue to the city.
The company held a pep rally and canvassing event on Thursday, encouraging residents to “Vote Yes” for the casino, which is set to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. Early voting in the Commonwealth begins Friday, Sept. 20.
If approved, the casino planned for an empty lot off Wagner Road and visible from Interstate 95 could be a $1.4 billion revitalization effort for Petersburg.
Officials with the company estimated the casino would generate a $2.8 billion economic boost to the region over the first 10 years and provide the city with $240 million in tax revenues along with job opportunities.
Despite these promises, not all residents are convinced. Rick Maddux, a Petersburg resident since 2014, plans to vote against the casino. He has concerns based on his experiences living in a city that welcomed a casino in 2012, which he said did not deliver the expected benefits.