Summary:
- LVS plans to build a mixed-use development next to Highway 114.
- The project would include a casino resort, along with retail and residential spaces in Irving.
- Monday’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting reunited both opponents and lobbyists of the project.
Irving, Texas residents gathered at the City Hall’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Monday night to ponder the Dallas Mavericks’ new owners’ redevelopment proposal from.
The leading developer and operator of world-class integrated resorts, Las Vegas Sands Corp, wishes to rezone roughly 1,000 acres located next to Highway 114.
The plan, which would also cover the site of the former Texas Stadium, would include dedicated retail and residential spaces, a resort, and a casino, provided the state chooses to join the growing list of US states that have given the green light to gambling.
As expected, some residents voiced their opposition. They used arguments tied to traffic, crime, and the social impact of gambling to support their stance against a casino.
We don’t need a casino in our community. This is not the future we want for Irving.
Those who lobbied for a casino, however, use the potential economic growth as a primary argument via higher tax revenue and more jobs.
A Las Vegas Sands representative said,
We believe that it would put somewhere about $25 million a year directly into the city of Irving, [and] $40 million into the school district
“You’re Just Gonna Sell the Property and Go Someplace Else?”
A major sticking point for the Planning and Zoning Commission was the uncertainty surrounding casino legalization in Texas. Without legislative approval, the fate of a casino in the development remains unclear.
Would it be, if it doesn’t look like it’s ever gonna pass here in Texas, you’re just gonna sell the property and go someplace else?
A Sands executive responded,
That’s a tough question to answer. Because I don’t know. If it doesn’t happen this year, we’re probably interested to see what happens two years from now
Despite the uncertainty, developers assured officials that they intend to move forward with the retail, residential, and resort portions of the project while awaiting potential legislative changes.
Another important topic of discussion regarded whether the new development should feature a brand new arena.
Las Vegas Sands confirmed that if the resort moves forward, an arena will be part of the package, which will be consistent with their other properties.
The heated debate stretched late into the night, with the commission’s upcoming decision set to influence the future of Irving’s development, and possibly, the state’s stance on casino gaming.
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