Tysons Corner, Virginia Casino Critics Lash Out at Capital Meeting

An assembly of anti-casino advocates congregated in Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday to express their disapproval of a proposed gambling center in Tysons Corner.

“We are standing together to protect our community and ensure our voices are heard,” said Lynne Mulston, leader of the No Fairfax Casino Coalition. “The proposed casino threatens the fabric of our larger community.”

The comments were made following the General Assembly’s decision to consider legislation that could legalize the casino project before the end of the year.

Expressing concern

Wednesday’s comments were made at a press conference hosted by Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Herndon), whose jurisdiction is about 10 miles from the proposed site of the new casino.

29 members of the No Fairfax Casino Coalition made the trip to the state’s capital city for the conference and to speak with government officials who will vote on the legislation, who are part of the Senate Gaming Subcommittee. 

Joining Boysko were Speakers included Boysko, Sen. Saddam Salim (D-Fairfax), Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill), Supervisor Jimmy Bierman (D-Dranesville), Vienna Mayor Linda J.Colbert, No Fairfax Casino Coalition Chair Lynne Mulston, president of the Tysons Stakeholder Alliance Paula Martino, and Del. Irene Shin (D-Herndon), the last of whom did not make any comments. 

"There are lobbyists up and down the hallway in the General Assembly, and I'll just tell you that the arm twisting has begun in full force to build political support," Boysko said during the gathering.

Boysko also noted that developers have made promises they cannot guarantee will be kept.

“The developer has made claims that bringing this casino will bring 5,000 union jobs,” said Boysko. “In this project, the developer doesn't have the authority to make this guarantee to the potential workers. We have seen this happen in other negotiations, and those negotiations did not end up including labor protections.”

Tracking the bill’s progress

The piece of legislation in question is Senate Bill 982. This bill, introduced by Sen. Dave Marsden (D-35) and continued by State Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34), would add Fairfax County to the list of available jurisdictions eligible to house a retail casino 

Casino backers targeted Tysons Corner as a location a little more than 20 miles away from MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino in Oxon Hill, Maryland. It is an affluent area with lots of businesses and rich residents scattered throughout the country, along with the surrounding counties. 

"If Virginians are going to gamble, I’d prefer they do it in Virginia, so that Virginia and Fairfax County’s public schools can benefit from it, instead of Maryland and Prince George’s County,” Surovell said to FFXnow.

In addition to the lack of guarantees surrounding jobs, critics said that the casino would harm local neighborhoods, cause established businesses to seek new homes, and create a troubling precedent for public land use.

The bill still needs approval by the state legislature and state Governor. It would allow but not require Fairfax County officials to schedule a referendum for local voters to determine the fate of the casino.