Meanwhile, a powerful state delegate is pushing Norfolk to move ahead with the casino project, or risk not receiving $465 million in state funding over a decade for the city’s $2.66 billion seawall project, sources said. The memo called the approach “kicking the hornet’s nest.” But a confidential city legal analysis also suggested opening negotiations with a new partner could create competition, and prod the Pamunkey tribe to move faster. The tribe and its partners likely would sue to stop a new developer, possibly delaying the project. Norfolk City Council members in a recent closed session discussed options for scuttling the city’s agreement with the Pamunkey tribe, which submitted an application for a phased development with a $150 million initial investment, far shy of the upscale $500 million resort hotel, marina, entertainment space, and casino showcased to voters during a 2020 referendum.Ĭity leaders are weighing the risks and rewards to working with a new casino developer, according to multiple sources.

Council may entertain other developers, while pressure grows from state lawmakerīy Jim Morrison Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHROĪ scaled-down Norfolk waterfront casino proposal is facing choppy waters from city leaders who have lost patience with the much-delayed project.

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