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

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[quote]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.[/quote][/quote]

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. [/quote]

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.[/quote]

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. [/quote]
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. [/quote]

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. [/quote]

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