(Richmond, VA) -- The City of Richmond acquired 96 acres of land previously targeted for a casino development. Thomas Cage reports.Preview: Voicer Script:
The city paid $5.5 million to Philip Morris for the property off Walmsley Boulevard. After two failed referendums on the casino project, the city plans to use the land for a public park and new road infrastructure, with the remaining acres open for development proposals. Casino dot org reports the decision to reject the casino partnership with Urban One, a media conglomerate with no experience operating a casino and who claims to represent "Black America", has sparked debate about missed economic opportunities and the potential for new job creation in the area. Richmond residents hope the development of the land will bring positive impacts to the Southside neighborhood.