Today at City Council’s retreat, City Manager Chip Filer confirmed that the City is working with Headwaters Casino on a potential “temporary casino”. Documents shared at the retreat called this “The Pamunkey Club.” Hits at the Park, a restaurant at Harbor Park, and the city-operated Boxing Center at Harbor Park were the only facilities mentioned as under consideration.
According to updates given to City Council today, construction for the formal Casino facility should start this Summer with a two-year completion timeline. Meanwhile, Headwater’s gaming license is expected to be approved by state regulators this July. That leaves two full years of gaming approval without a facility.
State law allows for a temporary gaming license; however, it can only be used within a set geographic area, leaving Harbor Park as the only “built” option. City Manager Filer implied that other options, which are not being considered at this time, include tents, trailers, and other temporary structures.
Jay Smith, a spokesperson for Headwaters Resort and Casino, says that the team is “excited to discuss with the City of Norfolk the possibility of opening a restaurant and lounge with limited gaming.” Headwaters and Dr. Filer both stressed that there is no signed deal and that many details are still being considered. That includes the final location. Whether the agreement covers both Hits at the Park and the Boxing Center or just one of the spaces is still to be determined.
The current construction timeline moves the opening from July 2023 to July 2024, impacting City budget projections. The City’s five-year forecasts had included tens of millions in new revenue from gaming taxes starting in July 2023. Now those funds would start flowing a full year later. This loss adds pressure to budget shortfalls caused by inflation and the COVID-19-related economic recession.
However, Dr. Filer says internal City projections indicated around $3- $3.5 million in additional revenue could be gained with a temporary Casino at Harbor Park. That doesn’t make up for the total loss of revenue, but it could be a significant source of funds.
This story is still developing, be sure to follow NFK Currents on social media for the latest news.
Paul Stetson Rice
Chelsea, NFK
Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery.
