Norfolk green lights new casino plans, allowing construction to begin

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk City Council has given its final approval for the updated design to the city’s proposed casino, allowing for construction to begin next to Harbor Park.

Council voted 7-1 Tuesday night to approve the development certificate for the casino. Councilwoman Andria McClellan was the lone no vote, citing concerns she had with the developer allowing indoor smoking.

It comes after council voted last month to allow Las Vegas’ Boyd Gaming to replace Tennessee billionaire Jon Yarbrough in building the casino on behalf of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe.

The latest development agreement is similar to the one signed in 2020 . Boyd says it will have a $500 million total investment, with a 200-room hotel, 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, and eight bars and restaurants. It’s also planning a showroom, pool, spa and meeting space.

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander told 10 On Your Side last month he hopes to see a groundbreaking for the casino early next year, and the full complex completed by 2027.

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