PETERSBURG, Va. (WWBT) – Since Sept. 20, Mamie Hamilton has been stopping Petersburg voters before they cast their ballot about a potential casino resort.

“This is a historical city that is coming down. With a casino coming here, we’re on the road to recovering. We will be back to what the old Petersburg used to be like,” she said.

The Live! Casino Resort would be located on 92 acres near the intersection of Wagner Road and Brasfield Parkway.

In its first 10 years, if approved, developers anticipate the casino would generate:

• $2.8 billion in economic stimulus to the region
• $504 million in tax revenues, including $240 million to the City of Petersburg alone
• $802 million in economic benefits during construction
• $201 million in annual economic benefits each year after opening
• Over 7,5000 new construction and permanent jobs

“It’s going to be a real game changer for the city of Petersburg,” said Zed Smith with The Cordish Companies, one of the developers.

The project would also feature:

• More than 400,000 square feet of first-class gaming, hotel and dining space
• 35,000 square feet of meeting and convention space
• An upscale 200-room hotel featuring 20 suites, a resort pool and a fitness center
• 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines
• 46 live-action table games, including a 15-table poker room
• High-limit slot and table areas and a sportsbook
• A 3,000-seat state-of-the-art entertainment venue
• 8 food and entertainment options, including 3 spaces reserved for Petersburg restauranteurs and businesses
• Free surface parking

“Petersburg will be back on the map,” Hamilton said.

The project was rejected twice in Richmond, but now it’s on the ballot in Petersburg.

Long-time resident Lelia Williamson is voting yes because she believes it will benefit the community greatly.

“Good jobs, money for our schools, for our children. Build community centers for our children and help get them the street,” she said.

On the other hand, some residents have concerns about crime and folks like Joe Tedesco believe it would harm the local economy.

“What it does, it takes away the disposable income. People will spend the money on gambling instead of saving it to spend on local products,” he said.

Petersburg residents can only make their voices heard by checking yes or no on their ballots.

“Hopefully, everyone will make the right decision and be satisfied with what they get,” Tedesco said.

“Get and vote for the casino for Petersburg. It’s going to help you and I,” Hamilton said.

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