Years after it was first proposed, the Norfolk casino planned for the land near Harbor Park finally has a development certificate.
Norfolk City Council members voted 7-1 Tuesday evening to approve a development certificate for the casino, bringing the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming a step closer to beginning construction on the long-planned project.
Council member Andria McClellan, a longtime opponent of the casino project, voted no. She also expressed concern about the potential for smoking to be allowed in the facility.
The Norfolk Planning Commission recently recommended the development certificate’s approval and signed off on the casino design. Norfolk spokesperson Kelly Straub said developers will still need to go through the city permitting process, which includes a site plan and building permits.
