Member of the Pittsylvania Co. Board Of Supervisors has concerns over proposed casino
DANVILLE, Va., (WSET) -- For the River City, this proposed casino that Caesars wants to build could mean millions in annual revenue and hundreds of jobs.
It's on the ballot in November -- and if it passes -- the casino will be in the Old Dan River Mills Schoolfield plant.
But - Board of Supervisors vice-chair Ronald Scearce feels the benefits are few and far between for neighboring Pittsylvania County.
Scearce says the county has not been involved in any of the plans -- and he has concerns.
"If they bring this casino in, I have a feeling that the crime's going to explode again and it scares me because I know that it's going to bleed over into the county," said Scearce.
He is also questioning whether Caesars will be able to hold up their end of the bargain when promising the creation of hundreds of new jobs.
Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones was not available to comment on this story, however, in a recent interview, as co-chair for the "Caesars for Danville" campaign, Jones said he is hoping to provide more insight, for everyone, over the coming weeks.
"There are some concerned about crime and what kind of crime a casino might bring, and some are excited about the revenue." said Jones, "I want to make sure we get those answers to them."
Scearce says Delegate Danny Marshall was working with county leaders in hopes of cashing in on some of the revenue generated by the casino.
He say this would help offset some of the costs the county could face -- like fighting rising crime rates.
Those conversations have stalled according to Scearce who said "He(Del. Marshall) is supposed to be looking out for the county as well and right now I think he's dropped the ball."
Delegate Marshall is a co-chair for the "Caesars for Danville" campaign that launched on August 12th.
WSET reached out to Marshall who did not comment, rather saying anyone in the county, with concerns, including county leaders, should reach out to him directly.
Voters, in the city of Danville, will vote on a referendum on whether to build a casino, during the November general election.
