Summary:
- North Carolina Development Holdings is hoping to bring a casino to the area.
- The County Commissioners are considering the idea.
- Almost 500 people attend a recent commissioner meeting to show opposition.
In July, North Carolina Development Holdings requested a rezoning of land off highway 220 in Rockingham to use the land for a casino gaming property in North Carolina.
The planning board denied the request, but the county commissioners have the ability to overrule the decision. The commissioners are considering allowing a casino in the area, and residents are not having it.
During a recent commissioner meeting, around 500 people living in the region showed up to say why a casino is not wanted.
Huge Turnout for Meeting
The county commission met last night and was not expected to discuss the casino project as it was not on the agenda. However, residents wanted to talk about it. Hundreds of people attended the meeting at the Ellisboro Baptist Church to show they are not in favor of a casino.
Some people drove in from neighboring counties to show that the casino would affect a larger area than just the immediate county. One major complaint is that the casino would be located next to Camp Carefree, a children’s camp for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
Many of those who are opposed feel the casino location would harm the camp and affect the organization’s ability to do its charitable work.
Doing the Right Thing
Mark Richardson, the Commission Chair, said that the board is focused on doing the right thing. The rezoning of the land fits into a long-range strategic plan for the area. It would bring much-needed revenues to the region and jobs.
Richardson stated that the county needs to raise the salaries of everyone, like policemen, health care workers, and general employees. The county wants to give more money to the school to be used for teacher supplements, but the money isn’t there.
If the casino were to come to the area, it is estimated to bring around $6 million in annual funds. Almost 1,750 jobs would be created. So now, it has become a debate as to what is best for the region, for the land to stay the same or for progress to be made and new businesses to come in.
With so many people attending the recent meeting, it looks like the community will continue to stand up to the project, which might make it quite difficult for a casino to come to the area. Only time will tell if the project will get off the ground or if the area will not welcome a real money casino.
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