Lynchburg Reporter

Amherst County issued the following announcement on Sept. 8.

If November Referendum is Approved by Voters, Rosie’s Gaming Emporium Will Create New Well-Paying Jobs in Amherst County and Generate Millions in New Tax Revenue for Schools, Roads, Community Programs through private investment and without tax breaks or incentives. During their September 7, 2021 meeting, the Amherst County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in support of the pari-mutuel wagering referendum on the ballot this fall which would allow for the opening of a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Amherst County. The proposed project is on the November ballot due to a successful petition campaign garnering signatures from approximately 2,000 registered voters in the County. County Administrator Rodgers stated, “Each and every one of our Supervisors recognizes the critical importance of bringing good jobs, private business investment and vital tax revenues that the county needs for schools and other essential services to Amherst.” 

The resolution highlights the benefits Rosie’s will bring to the County, including:

• A $40 Million investment into the Seminole Plaza shopping center

• New tax revenue for the County is estimated to be approximately $1.9 million annually, including an

estimated $800,000 per year from the gaming devices

• The creation of at least 100 jobs with an average compensation package totaling $47,000 annually

• Participation in Rosie’s Gives Back program, which has made direct monetary and in-kind donations of

more than $1.3 million while logging over 2,500 service hours in local communities across Virginia over

the last couple of years, and is committed to contributing at least $100,000 annually to charitable causes

and not for profits in the Amherst region

• A new source of entertainment for Amherst residents that will also draw tourist dollars from outside the

County without a significant drain on county services

• A much-needed and overdue facelift for that area of Madison Heights.

Rosie’s Gaming Emporium is not asking for nor shall they receive tax breaks or incentives from the County. Rosie’s currently has successful operations in Vinton, Henry County, Richmond, Hampton, New Kent County, and Dumfries, Virginia. Many are in locations that previously were vacant properties and had attracted potential crime. Rosie’s dedicates approximately one-fourth of its workforce to safety positions and uses lighting and surveillance to deter crime and protect its patrons and their neighbors. Rosie’s has also been a catalyst for other TELEPHONE (434) 946-9420 FACSIMILE (434) 946-9370 new businesses to open around its locations and has been credited with large-scale revitalization and developments underway in the Town of Vinton. Rosie’s is an exciting business destination that will provide new dining and entertainment options for local residents and visitors alike. 

Claudia Tucker, District 2 Representative on the Amherst Board of Supervisors, stated, “We need new entertainment and dining options in Amherst County. Rosie’s has established a sterling reputation as a strong economic and local community partner across the Commonwealth. Rosie’s will grow our local tax base and bring tourists to the County to support other businesses as well. It’s a win-win.” 

In response to a request from County Administration, Amherst Sheriff’s Office has consulted with New Kent County, which hosts a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, to confirm their experience of very few issues of law enforcement concern at or around Rosie’s facilities. On the infrequent occasions where minor criminal activity has occurred, the Rosie’s security system was of great benefit to New Kent in the effective prosecution of cases. Rosie’s also has the full support of the Amherst County Economic Development Authority, which helped formulate the project, including its proposed location in Madison Heights in the Seminole Plaza shopping center.

 “We are confident this project will attract many new visitors and other new business to Amherst County,” said Victoria Hanson, Amherst County Economic Development Executive Director. “We have already had conversations with other name brand companies about locating in Amherst with the expectation that voters will want to support Rosie’s as a terrific generator of jobs and tax revenues in the county.” Rosie’s Gaming Emporium currently has an option agreement with the owner of Seminole Plaza. If the referendum is successful, Rosie’s would take full ownership of the Plaza and is committed to its revitalization, in addition to constructing a new, stand-alone building behind Big Lots, where Rosie’s will be located. Rosie’s is committed to working with existing tenants to ensure their needs are met in the event they wish to remain in the Plaza. Rosie’s is a proponent of responsible gaming and is an active member of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. It takes active measures to assist those who develop addictions to deal with and overcome their problem. Due to the commonplace sales of lottery tickets and “skill games” parlors across the County, the Supervisors are convinced they are not introducing any new, untoward influences into county culture. 

Indeed, their focus is to promote business of every legitimate kind that wants to locate in the County to increase the County’s attractiveness to more businesses. The Supervisors are committed to doing all they can to keep from increasing the tax burden on real estate owners. Promoting businesses that want to locate here is the most effective way to raise the revenue to provide the services the public wants. Each new business attracts others that will draw support from it; as our population grows, the quantity and quality of business choices available to Amherst citizens will also grow.

Original source can be found here.