My Stance on the Casino Proposal

Though the details of a proposed casino in Roanoke are shrouded in secrecy due to the NDA signed by City Council, it is very hard for me to believe that this is the best use of this land that is in the heart of our city. There is no question in my mind that the Berglund Center needs to be repurposed as it is a tremendous economic drain on the city. There are other options that should be explored that can bring the city significant revenue without changing the character of Roanoke city. Could we imagine a new town center that pays homage to both the troubling past of this land as well as a strong city moving into the future incorporating an urbanism that is consistent with best ecological practices? Perhaps we could envision a new state of the art indoor and outdoor sports facility that not only offers residents myriad opportunities but also becomes a center for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, etc. tournaments bringing new, increased, and steady tourism revenue. I am sure there are other proposals as well that are consistent with the character of our beautiful city. We are the Star City of the South that continues to grow as an outdoors activity haven and I believe we should enhance this definition of the city.