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Supporters believe that the proposed casino deviates from the recently approved overall plan for Leesburg, which aims to promote the expansion of key industries such as technology and higher education. Amid growing concerns, the Kincora company's "Silver Line casino development in the metro... Additionally, residents of Leesburg along the Capital Beltway in Fairfax County urge state legislators to reject any legislation supporting this controversial project.
Radicals question the casino plan, claiming it diverges from Leesburg's planning principles. On January 6, a group opposing the casino plan from NoRestonCasino.org placed banners outside the Fairfax County Government Center Park, drawing attention to what they perceive as a deviation from Leesburg's planning principles.
Opponents argue that Leesburg's comprehensive plan and Fairfax County Chair Walter Alcorn are inconsistent with the casino's development. Lynn Moseman, President of the Leesburg Citizens Association, emphasizes that, under current Virginia law, Leesburg does not have legislation allowing such development.
Moseman states that Virginia State Senators Sorrell and Marsden, along with other elected representatives, influenced legislative actions, indicating they overlooked the social, economic, infrastructure, and other impacts on the Leesburg community. During this time, Fairfax attended a public hearing representing the delegation. Jennifer Yuhas, representing Save Our Sunrise, expressed concerns about the casino being built near residential areas and highlighted the family-oriented nature of the Leesburg Sunrise Valley community.
She mentioned that the only developer, Kincora, aims to build a casino and has invested heavily in properties around the Wiehle-Reston East metro station, rather than in Tysons Corner.
Activists emphasized environmental and socio-economic issues. Radicals believe the proposed casino contradicts the recently approved Leesburg comprehensive plan, aimed at promoting growth in key markets such as technology and higher education. MacCummins, CEO of RA, stated that the casino would run counter to the goals outlined in the recently approved plan and would be incompatible with it, thus jeopardizing Leesburg's extensive community planning efforts over the years.
Health issues were also raised at the public hearing, with Michelle Weedman-Kimmel of Healthy Leesburg highlighting potential environmental toxicity and socio-economic issues associated with casino development. Camille urged legislators to consider the lack of empirical research supporting the economic benefits of the casino. State Senator Dave Marsden and Delegate Ren Williams introduced a bill in 2023, which was later withdrawn. Now, they plan to reintroduce an expanded statewide referendum bill in the upcoming legislative session.
Residents hope that their collective voice, through various community organizations and elected officials, can receive a response to prevent the state legislature from approving a casino they deem unnecessary for the vibrant Leesburg community. |
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Post time 15-1-2024 12:35:39