Will Rosie’s Gaming Emporium open in Amherst County? It’s up to the voters

AMHERST COUNTY, Va. – There’s some controversy in Amherst County as a gaming emporium is one step nearer to creating its approach into city.

This November, voters will resolve if a Richmond-based firm can proceed constructing a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Madison Heights.

“I believe it’s phenomenal,” stated Tricia Anderson, who has lived in Amherst County for greater than twenty years.

She stated she’s been to the Rosie’s in Vinton and was excited to listen to Madison Heights may get one too.

“Jobs which can be coming into the world that can fill among the gaps from the coaching middle closing. You’re going to get tax income and it’s going to place Amherst County on the map,” continued Anderson.

In the event that they play their playing cards proper, the $40 million building challenge would convey 100 jobs, 150 slot machines and a complete new tax income stream of practically $2 million for the county, based on financial growth estimates.

“So many individuals journey two, three-hundred miles to get to a Rosie’s,” stated Steven Whaley, who lives in Lynchburg.

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If handed, Rosie’s would sit alongside the U.S. 29 hall within the Seminole Plaza Buying Heart.

Nonetheless, some are wagering towards the concept.

“Having one thing that’s going to extend crime shouldn’t be good,” stated Tobey Thurston, who lives in Amherst and began a GoFundMe campaign that’s raised greater than $4,000 to promote opposition.

She’s additionally part of a not too long ago established Fb group Amherst Citizens Against Rosie’s.

“Do we have to revitalize Madison Heights a bit bit? Completely. I don’t suppose that’s with a gaming emporium,” stated Thurston.

“We’d like a extra family-oriented setting,” stated Debbie Vest, who lives in Lynchburg

Each Thurston and Vest are involved {that a} Rosie’s in Amherst County will result in extra crime and drunk driving points.

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Even within the face of opposition, financial builders stated they’re hopeful sufficient individuals will help the challenge since they collected greater than 2,000 signatures to get the referendum on the poll.

If the referendum passes, Rosie’s could possibly be up and operating throughout the subsequent two years.

If its capable of open, it might function each day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.