A plan to build a casino in downtown Herndon, Virginia, has been brought to a standstill after the Planning Commission moved forward with a resolution aimed at prohibiting future casino development, potentially triggering a legal dispute with the developer.
Herndon Officials Block Casino Development
According to FOX 5, the casino was proposed for a site near Herndon’s Metro corridor. However, the project is now on hold after town officials advanced a resolution Monday night designed to close the door on casino development. The Herndon Planning Commission’s decision comes after developer Comstock put forward a proposal to develop a casino at the downtown property.
However, the town had been considering zoning changes that would permit a casino only as part of a large mixed-use development including a hotel, retail space, and conference facilities near the Metro station. Town officials also said that the proposal has drawn significant pushback from residents worried about how it could change the community’s character.
Mayor Kevin LeBlanc said leaders were acting on that feedback, emphasizing that many locals don’t believe a casino belongs in the downtown area. Instead, he highlighted other redevelopment possibilities discussed at Monday’s meeting, including an arts center, live performance spaces, and additional retail aimed at energizing the nearby Washington & Old Dominion Trail corridor.
Interestingly, the Planning Commission’s decision follows closely on the heels of Governor Abigail Spanberger’s veto of a bill that would have allowed a casino in Fairfax County. However, Herndon officials said their action had already been in motion prior to the governor’s move.
The Matter Might Go to Court
Although the Planning Commission’s decision underscores strong local opposition, the property’s legal standing remains uncertain because Comstock continues to hold the deed. Some town officials have said that Herndon might seek to recover the land if the proposed use is found to conflict with local planning priorities. However, such a scenario might prompt a legal dispute.
Despite that, officials remain adamant that the next step for downtown Herndon will center on rethinking the area without a casino. But the Planning Commission’s move isn’t the final step, as the Herndon Town Council still needs to hold a formal vote to approve the casino ban.