NORFOLK, Va. — A significant milestone will be reached on Wednesday morning, as the highly anticipated Norfolk Casino breaks ground after years of planning and community engagement.
This ambitious project, which has been a focal point for News 3 since Norfolk voters cast their ballots in favor of the casino back in 2020, marks a notable step forward for the local economy.
Watch: Years in the making, ground will break Wednesday for Norfolk casino
The groundbreaking ceremony isn’t without controversy, as casino workers are set to protest against the proposed indoor smoking policy, expressing their concerns regarding potential health risks associated with second-hand smoke.
Juana Wilson, a representative of C.E.A.S.E. (Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects) and a former member of the Rivers Casino team, passionately stated, “We want our presence to be known. We are begging for them to open the Norfolk casino as a non-smoking facility,” emphasizing the group’s strong stance on protecting worker health.
Watch: Norfolk City Council approves proposed casino’s design; construction can move forward
Wilson articulated that “designated non-smoking areas would be great if they are separated by a wall,” highlighting specific suggestions from employees to ensure their well-being. Recent discussions with Norfolk casino representatives revealed that while smoking will be permitted, efforts will be made to install a state-of-the-art HVAC system designed to minimize the effects of smoke.
Dr. Ryan Light underscored the severity of the situation, stating, “Second-hand smoking increases the risk of lung cancer and causes significant harm to individuals who do not smoke but are forced to be in proximity to it.” This insight reflects the pervasive health issues confronting casino employees.
Watch: Should smoking be banned at Norfolk’s proposed casino?
In a similar vein, concerns regarding smoking policies were also prominent when the Rivers Casino opened in Portsmouth last year. This prompted the establishment to designate certain areas as non-smoking, an approach many hope will be replicated in Norfolk.
During a city council meeting on September 10, Norfolk Councilwoman Andria McClellan voiced her dissent regarding the casino’s design, specifically highlighting her apprehensions about the implications of smoking on employees’ health. “Some don’t want the casino, but those who do are concerned about the workers who will be exposed to second-hand smoke every day,” McClellan noted, reflecting the divided opinions within the community.
The casino’s development plan is ambitious, featuring 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a lavish 200-room hotel, eight diverse restaurants, and a substantial parking garage with capacity for 1,300 vehicles. Set to occupy an impressive six acres of land situated conveniently between Harbor Park and the Amtrak station, the resort promises to be a major attraction in the region.
