Virginia city determined to keep casino out through legislation

Vienna has made it clear that it has no desire to be part of the casino industry

The Town Council of Vienna, Virginia, voted unanimously Monday night to incorporate a measure opposing a proposal to build a casino in Fairfax County into its 2024 legislative agenda. The adopted plan included the following measure, which was established on language proposed by Councilmember Chuck Anderson:

“The Town of Vienna opposes any action to establish, or facilitate the establishment of, any gambling casino in Fairfax County. The Town particularly opposes any such action which would lead to the establishment of a gambling facility in the Tysons area. Any such facility likely would have substantial deleterious effects on the quality of life in Vienna, including increased traffic, additional costs to locally owned independent businesses, and erosion of public morals.”

The proposal to build a casino along Metro’s Silver Line in Fairfax County was first revealed in January when comparable bills were presented by Sen. David Marsden (D-Burke) and Del. Wren Williams (R-Stuart).

While he and Williams later withdrew their bills, Marsden said he plans to introduce another broader bill in the 2024 General Assembly, which includes a conference center and performance venue besides a casino. The two lawmakers have also backed the casino being built in Tysons instead of at the Weihle-Reston East Metro Station in Reston.

“I just don’t think a casino is in place right now in Tysons or along the [Dulles Toll Road] corridor,” stated Councilmember Howard Springsteen. “It’s not a wholesome community. It’s good that we’re hopping on this. This literally popped to my radar over the past couple of weeks, so I’m fine moving up.”

At the end of the meeting, Councilmember Nisha Patel motioned to adopt the casino opposition measure as the town’s second priority in the 2024 legislative agenda, which was then approved by a unanimous vote.