Comstock doubled down again on Casino in Reston

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Letter from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to the Virginia State Legislature: https://twitter.com/KatieLusso/status/1751095440534069590

Excerpt:

Unlike other jurisdictions that received the authority to hold a referendum to host a casino, Fairfax County did not seek such authority and has not been substantively involved in the development of the casino concept envisioned by stakeholders and the patron of the legislation. It likely comes as no surprise to you that the location and concept included in the legislation and reported in the media has generated significant community concern and opposition. Furthermore, since a community engagement process was not conducted prior to the bill being introduced as it was in other jurisdictions, we believe the bill in its current form is likely to result in strong community opposition to the future referendum.

While we understand the Commonwealth's desire to collect additional state tax revenue from residents of Northern Virginia, we do not believe our residents would accept the revenue share prescribed in current statute and in the pending legislation. As the law stands today, the Commonwealth would receive over 70 percent of the gaming tax revenue generated by a Fairfax County casino. This is especially relevant given the fact that the location outlined in the bill has the potential to generate significant local tax revenue without a casino.

A stated rationale for the legislation is the need to revitalize Tysons. While the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shift to remote/hybrid work has, of course, impacted Fairfax County's commercial office market, we feel the need to emphasize that Tysons and especially the Class A office space in close proximity to Tysons' four Silver Line Metro stations continue to thrive. Tysons continues to attract new corporations and create new jobs. Tysons has a blossoming entertainment district, anchored by Capital One Hall, a premier performing arts venue, and a state-of-the-art baseball stadium.

While the location has the potential to generate tax revenue, the residents of that area will never allow anything to be built there. You could make that argument about any arbitrary parcel of land in Fairfax County. So, that argument is irrelevant. You could argue about the additional burden on local services without reimbursement. Oh well. Some day, we will get someone in charge in Fairfax County that isn't a tool.

The “risk” is that Fairfax County is very large and includes many voters who rarely drive out to McLean or Reston or the surrounding area, and rarely if ever use the Silver metro line. I could see residents in Lorton, Fort Belvoir, Clifton, and Burke (the legislative sponsor) voting in favor of the casino since it largely won’t affect them unless it ends up reducing overall county tax revenues. Many in those areas might like the idea of driving out to Tyson’s once a year for some concert, and they could probably care less about the impacts to the quality of life in the surrounding residential communities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Letter from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to the Virginia State Legislature: https://twitter.com/KatieLusso/status/1751095440534069590

Excerpt:

Unlike other jurisdictions that received the authority to hold a referendum to host a casino, Fairfax County did not seek such authority and has not been substantively involved in the development of the casino concept envisioned by stakeholders and the patron of the legislation. It likely comes as no surprise to you that the location and concept included in the legislation and reported in the media has generated significant community concern and opposition. Furthermore, since a community engagement process was not conducted prior to the bill being introduced as it was in other jurisdictions, we believe the bill in its current form is likely to result in strong community opposition to the future referendum.

While we understand the Commonwealth's desire to collect additional state tax revenue from residents of Northern Virginia, we do not believe our residents would accept the revenue share prescribed in current statute and in the pending legislation. As the law stands today, the Commonwealth would receive over 70 percent of the gaming tax revenue generated by a Fairfax County casino. This is especially relevant given the fact that the location outlined in the bill has the potential to generate significant local tax revenue without a casino.

A stated rationale for the legislation is the need to revitalize Tysons. While the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shift to remote/hybrid work has, of course, impacted Fairfax County's commercial office market, we feel the need to emphasize that Tysons and especially the Class A office space in close proximity to Tysons' four Silver Line Metro stations continue to thrive. Tysons continues to attract new corporations and create new jobs. Tysons has a blossoming entertainment district, anchored by Capital One Hall, a premier performing arts venue, and a state-of-the-art baseball stadium.

While the location has the potential to generate tax revenue, the residents of that area will never allow anything to be built there. You could make that argument about any arbitrary parcel of land in Fairfax County. So, that argument is irrelevant. You could argue about the additional burden on local services without reimbursement. Oh well. Some day, we will get someone in charge in Fairfax County that isn't a tool.

You obviously don't know the location or have any idea what you are talking about. Residents aren't upset about the Ulta, Lidl, and Smashburger going in just down the road. Or the climbing gym a little further down. None is unhappy about the Bowlero in Tyson's Galleria. or the area where Cirque de Soleil or other events are set up.

Casinos are usually located outside of regular commercial areas/not close to residential areas because of their very nature and association with drinking, organized crime, and general seediness. The strip in Las Vegas with its luxury hotels is there literally because it's in the middle of the desert and away from a regular city. Go look at the offset/setback for MGM. Very deliberately separated from the community, not to mention that it's not in the middle of two major thoroughfares that people use on a constant basis. Communities should get to decide how the property in their jurisdiction are used. We are deciding - we don't want it.

So, Ulta, Lidl, or Smashburger are just as profitable as a casino? McKay's reasoning is specious. Your argument concerning seediness, drinking, and organized crime is slightly better. However, drinking has always been a problem in Fairfax County. A new casino isn't going to make the problem any worse. As far as organized crime and seediness, well that's up to the politicians. If they allow themselves to be bought out by special interests, you will have problems. Surely, you believe the politicians in Fairfax County and Virginia are beyond corruption.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Letter from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to the Virginia State Legislature: https://twitter.com/KatieLusso/status/1751095440534069590

Excerpt:

Unlike other jurisdictions that received the authority to hold a referendum to host a casino, Fairfax County did not seek such authority and has not been substantively involved in the development of the casino concept envisioned by stakeholders and the patron of the legislation. It likely comes as no surprise to you that the location and concept included in the legislation and reported in the media has generated significant community concern and opposition. Furthermore, since a community engagement process was not conducted prior to the bill being introduced as it was in other jurisdictions, we believe the bill in its current form is likely to result in strong community opposition to the future referendum.

While we understand the Commonwealth's desire to collect additional state tax revenue from residents of Northern Virginia, we do not believe our residents would accept the revenue share prescribed in current statute and in the pending legislation. As the law stands today, the Commonwealth would receive over 70 percent of the gaming tax revenue generated by a Fairfax County casino. This is especially relevant given the fact that the location outlined in the bill has the potential to generate significant local tax revenue without a casino.

A stated rationale for the legislation is the need to revitalize Tysons. While the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shift to remote/hybrid work has, of course, impacted Fairfax County's commercial office market, we feel the need to emphasize that Tysons and especially the Class A office space in close proximity to Tysons' four Silver Line Metro stations continue to thrive. Tysons continues to attract new corporations and create new jobs. Tysons has a blossoming entertainment district, anchored by Capital One Hall, a premier performing arts venue, and a state-of-the-art baseball stadium.

While the location has the potential to generate tax revenue, the residents of that area will never allow anything to be built there. You could make that argument about any arbitrary parcel of land in Fairfax County. So, that argument is irrelevant. You could argue about the additional burden on local services without reimbursement. Oh well. Some day, we will get someone in charge in Fairfax County that isn't a tool.

You obviously don't know the location or have any idea what you are talking about. Residents aren't upset about the Ulta, Lidl, and Smashburger going in just down the road. Or the climbing gym a little further down. None is unhappy about the Bowlero in Tyson's Galleria. or the area where Cirque de Soleil or other events are set up.

Casinos are usually located outside of regular commercial areas/not close to residential areas because of their very nature and association with drinking, organized crime, and general seediness. The strip in Las Vegas with its luxury hotels is there literally because it's in the middle of the desert and away from a regular city. Go look at the offset/setback for MGM. Very deliberately separated from the community, not to mention that it's not in the middle of two major thoroughfares that people use on a constant basis. Communities should get to decide how the property in their jurisdiction are used. We are deciding - we don't want it.

So, Ulta, Lidl, or Smashburger are just as profitable as a casino? McKay's reasoning is specious. Your argument concerning seediness, drinking, and organized crime is slightly better. However, drinking has always been a problem in Fairfax County. A new casino isn't going to make the problem any worse. As far as organized crime and seediness, well that's up to the politicians. If they allow themselves to be bought out by special interests, you will have problems. Surely, you believe the politicians in Fairfax County and Virginia are beyond corruption.

What a bunch of non sequiturs. At least you'll admit the central fact - that the argument that Tyson's needs the revenue is bunk. Tyson's is doing just fine and has lots of businesses that local residents have welcomed. Tyson's doesn't need a casino to sustain it economically and we don't want one. If Marsden is so set on it he can propose a location in Burke, where he and his constituents live.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Letter from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to the Virginia State Legislature: https://twitter.com/KatieLusso/status/1751095440534069590

Excerpt:

Unlike other jurisdictions that received the authority to hold a referendum to host a casino, Fairfax County did not seek such authority and has not been substantively involved in the development of the casino concept envisioned by stakeholders and the patron of the legislation. It likely comes as no surprise to you that the location and concept included in the legislation and reported in the media has generated significant community concern and opposition. Furthermore, since a community engagement process was not conducted prior to the bill being introduced as it was in other jurisdictions, we believe the bill in its current form is likely to result in strong community opposition to the future referendum.

While we understand the Commonwealth's desire to collect additional state tax revenue from residents of Northern Virginia, we do not believe our residents would accept the revenue share prescribed in current statute and in the pending legislation. As the law stands today, the Commonwealth would receive over 70 percent of the gaming tax revenue generated by a Fairfax County casino. This is especially relevant given the fact that the location outlined in the bill has the potential to generate significant local tax revenue without a casino.

A stated rationale for the legislation is the need to revitalize Tysons. While the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shift to remote/hybrid work has, of course, impacted Fairfax County's commercial office market, we feel the need to emphasize that Tysons and especially the Class A office space in close proximity to Tysons' four Silver Line Metro stations continue to thrive. Tysons continues to attract new corporations and create new jobs. Tysons has a blossoming entertainment district, anchored by Capital One Hall, a premier performing arts venue, and a state-of-the-art baseball stadium.

While the location has the potential to generate tax revenue, the residents of that area will never allow anything to be built there. You could make that argument about any arbitrary parcel of land in Fairfax County. So, that argument is irrelevant. You could argue about the additional burden on local services without reimbursement. Oh well. Some day, we will get someone in charge in Fairfax County that isn't a tool.

You obviously don't know the location or have any idea what you are talking about. Residents aren't upset about the Ulta, Lidl, and Smashburger going in just down the road. Or the climbing gym a little further down. None is unhappy about the Bowlero in Tyson's Galleria. or the area where Cirque de Soleil or other events are set up.

Casinos are usually located outside of regular commercial areas/not close to residential areas because of their very nature and association with drinking, organized crime, and general seediness. The strip in Las Vegas with its luxury hotels is there literally because it's in the middle of the desert and away from a regular city. Go look at the offset/setback for MGM. Very deliberately separated from the community, not to mention that it's not in the middle of two major thoroughfares that people use on a constant basis. Communities should get to decide how the property in their jurisdiction are used. We are deciding - we don't want it.

So, Ulta, Lidl, or Smashburger are just as profitable as a casino? McKay's reasoning is specious. Your argument concerning seediness, drinking, and organized crime is slightly better. However, drinking has always been a problem in Fairfax County. A new casino isn't going to make the problem any worse. As far as organized crime and seediness, well that's up to the politicians. If they allow themselves to be bought out by special interests, you will have problems. Surely, you believe the politicians in Fairfax County and Virginia are beyond corruption.

Excess drinking and intoxication is always an issue with casinos. And those drunks will be sharing the streets with teenage children and families every night. And putting this casino on a metro line where hundreds will travel to and from a casino with thousands of dollars in their bags and purses? That sounds like criminal organization’s fantasy. If I led a gang or other critical organization, I’d set up shop right along the silver line metro and collect from any rider who is inebriated and/or who looks like they might’ve gotten lucky.

[Anonymous]

*criminal organization

[Anonymous]

How do we protest this? Who do we write to and beg not to allow a casino?

[Anonymous]

I live nearby- who wants to go to Reston to a casino?! It’s weird. I feel like Reston has this hippie planned community vibe that doesn’t go with a casino.

I personally hate the traffic to get to national harbor though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do we protest this? Who do we write to and beg not to allow a casino?

There's already been some opposition, but it made it through committee in the VA Legislature last week. Write your Delegate and Representative. You can find out who they are here:

https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/index.php/legislator?search=

[Anonymous]

No one in Tyson's, Vienna or Reston wants a casino.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Letter from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to the Virginia State Legislature: https://twitter.com/KatieLusso/status/1751095440534069590

Excerpt:

Unlike other jurisdictions that received the authority to hold a referendum to host a casino, Fairfax County did not seek such authority and has not been substantively involved in the development of the casino concept envisioned by stakeholders and the patron of the legislation. It likely comes as no surprise to you that the location and concept included in the legislation and reported in the media has generated significant community concern and opposition. Furthermore, since a community engagement process was not conducted prior to the bill being introduced as it was in other jurisdictions, we believe the bill in its current form is likely to result in strong community opposition to the future referendum.

While we understand the Commonwealth's desire to collect additional state tax revenue from residents of Northern Virginia, we do not believe our residents would accept the revenue share prescribed in current statute and in the pending legislation. As the law stands today, the Commonwealth would receive over 70 percent of the gaming tax revenue generated by a Fairfax County casino. This is especially relevant given the fact that the location outlined in the bill has the potential to generate significant local tax revenue without a casino.

A stated rationale for the legislation is the need to revitalize Tysons. While the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shift to remote/hybrid work has, of course, impacted Fairfax County's commercial office market, we feel the need to emphasize that Tysons and especially the Class A office space in close proximity to Tysons' four Silver Line Metro stations continue to thrive. Tysons continues to attract new corporations and create new jobs. Tysons has a blossoming entertainment district, anchored by Capital One Hall, a premier performing arts venue, and a state-of-the-art baseball stadium.

While the location has the potential to generate tax revenue, the residents of that area will never allow anything to be built there. You could make that argument about any arbitrary parcel of land in Fairfax County. So, that argument is irrelevant. You could argue about the additional burden on local services without reimbursement. Oh well. Some day, we will get someone in charge in Fairfax County that isn't a tool.

You obviously don't know the location or have any idea what you are talking about. Residents aren't upset about the Ulta, Lidl, and Smashburger going in just down the road. Or the climbing gym a little further down. None is unhappy about the Bowlero in Tyson's Galleria. or the area where Cirque de Soleil or other events are set up.

Casinos are usually located outside of regular commercial areas/not close to residential areas because of their very nature and association with drinking, organized crime, and general seediness. The strip in Las Vegas with its luxury hotels is there literally because it's in the middle of the desert and away from a regular city. Go look at the offset/setback for MGM. Very deliberately separated from the community, not to mention that it's not in the middle of two major thoroughfares that people use on a constant basis. Communities should get to decide how the property in their jurisdiction are used. We are deciding - we don't want it.

So, Ulta, Lidl, or Smashburger are just as profitable as a casino? McKay's reasoning is specious. Your argument concerning seediness, drinking, and organized crime is slightly better. However, drinking has always been a problem in Fairfax County. A new casino isn't going to make the problem any worse. As far as organized crime and seediness, well that's up to the politicians. If they allow themselves to be bought out by special interests, you will have problems. Surely, you believe the politicians in Fairfax County and Virginia are beyond corruption.

Excess drinking and intoxication is always an issue with casinos. And those drunks will be sharing the streets with teenage children and families every night. And putting this casino on a metro line where hundreds will travel to and from a casino with thousands of dollars in their bags and purses? That sounds like criminal organization’s fantasy. If I led a gang or other critical organization, I’d set up shop right along the silver line metro and collect from any rider who is inebriated and/or who looks like they might’ve gotten lucky.

I am going to humbly suggest that Fairfax County already has a drinking and intoxication problem based on the number of DUIs. Further, Fairfax County has an underage DUI problem that the CA papers over to prevent any harm to the future voter's employment career. When you fix this, you can talk to me about the evils of a casino that would card drinkers or face the loss of their gambling license. If you think criminals can simply "set up shop" in a fixed location and not have to worry about police, I am going to suggest that the police department might be taking a kickback. Don't elect the criminals to office and this won't be a problem.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone *feel* this is a done deal? Developers almost always seem to win.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Letter from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to the Virginia State Legislature: https://twitter.com/KatieLusso/status/1751095440534069590

Excerpt:

Unlike other jurisdictions that received the authority to hold a referendum to host a casino, Fairfax County did not seek such authority and has not been substantively involved in the development of the casino concept envisioned by stakeholders and the patron of the legislation. It likely comes as no surprise to you that the location and concept included in the legislation and reported in the media has generated significant community concern and opposition. Furthermore, since a community engagement process was not conducted prior to the bill being introduced as it was in other jurisdictions, we believe the bill in its current form is likely to result in strong community opposition to the future referendum.

While we understand the Commonwealth's desire to collect additional state tax revenue from residents of Northern Virginia, we do not believe our residents would accept the revenue share prescribed in current statute and in the pending legislation. As the law stands today, the Commonwealth would receive over 70 percent of the gaming tax revenue generated by a Fairfax County casino. This is especially relevant given the fact that the location outlined in the bill has the potential to generate significant local tax revenue without a casino.

A stated rationale for the legislation is the need to revitalize Tysons. While the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shift to remote/hybrid work has, of course, impacted Fairfax County's commercial office market, we feel the need to emphasize that Tysons and especially the Class A office space in close proximity to Tysons' four Silver Line Metro stations continue to thrive. Tysons continues to attract new corporations and create new jobs. Tysons has a blossoming entertainment district, anchored by Capital One Hall, a premier performing arts venue, and a state-of-the-art baseball stadium.

While the location has the potential to generate tax revenue, the residents of that area will never allow anything to be built there. You could make that argument about any arbitrary parcel of land in Fairfax County. So, that argument is irrelevant. You could argue about the additional burden on local services without reimbursement. Oh well. Some day, we will get someone in charge in Fairfax County that isn't a tool.

You obviously don't know the location or have any idea what you are talking about. Residents aren't upset about the Ulta, Lidl, and Smashburger going in just down the road. Or the climbing gym a little further down. None is unhappy about the Bowlero in Tyson's Galleria. or the area where Cirque de Soleil or other events are set up.

Casinos are usually located outside of regular commercial areas/not close to residential areas because of their very nature and association with drinking, organized crime, and general seediness. The strip in Las Vegas with its luxury hotels is there literally because it's in the middle of the desert and away from a regular city. Go look at the offset/setback for MGM. Very deliberately separated from the community, not to mention that it's not in the middle of two major thoroughfares that people use on a constant basis. Communities should get to decide how the property in their jurisdiction are used. We are deciding - we don't want it.

So, Ulta, Lidl, or Smashburger are just as profitable as a casino? McKay's reasoning is specious. Your argument concerning seediness, drinking, and organized crime is slightly better. However, drinking has always been a problem in Fairfax County. A new casino isn't going to make the problem any worse. As far as organized crime and seediness, well that's up to the politicians. If they allow themselves to be bought out by special interests, you will have problems. Surely, you believe the politicians in Fairfax County and Virginia are beyond corruption.

Excess drinking and intoxication is always an issue with casinos. And those drunks will be sharing the streets with teenage children and families every night. And putting this casino on a metro line where hundreds will travel to and from a casino with thousands of dollars in their bags and purses? That sounds like criminal organization’s fantasy. If I led a gang or other critical organization, I’d set up shop right along the silver line metro and collect from any rider who is inebriated and/or who looks like they might’ve gotten lucky.

A really nice guy who was an acquaintance from my hometown died this way. Extroverted talkative guy who turned up dead in his car about a 1/2.mile from the casino where he just won. Has never been solved.

This is why only places that really really need the money and low paying jobs want a casino. Guess Fairfax is now is the same league as PG, Baltimore and Portsmouth, VA.

[Anonymous]

Here’s the latest:

https://patch.com/virginia/herndon/s/iukh7/casino-bill-town-hall-416k-donated-new-lobbyist-hogs-cowboys?utm_source=local-update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert

New contributor - lobbyist for casino has connection to Comstock.

[Anonymous]

I thought the Democrats had a lock on local politics in Fairfax, but this buffoon Dave Marsden, who clearly is in the pocket of casino operators and developers, is making all the other local Democrats distance themselves from him as fast as they can. And if the bill gets through the legislature, the conclusion will be that it was just a fix - once the Democrats knew the bill would pass, that made it safe for some local Democrats to oppose the bill. It may end up dragging them all down, including the ones trying to do the damage control now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought the Democrats had a lock on local politics in Fairfax, but this buffoon Dave Marsden, who clearly is in the pocket of casino operators and developers, is making all the other local Democrats distance themselves from him as fast as they can. And if the bill gets through the legislature, the conclusion will be that it was just a fix - once the Democrats knew the bill would pass, that made it safe for some local Democrats to oppose the bill. It may end up dragging them all down, including the ones trying to do the damage control now.

That is exactly what it looks like. There is always a veil of community input (we tried to help stop it) but the real story happens behind closed doors and with secret handshakes.