RALEIGH, N.C. — Groups of Rockingham County residents are among those gathering at the statehouse in Raleigh Tuesday morning. They're fighting against the idea of a casino coming to their neighborhood.
The protests come after a recent land rezoning in Rockingham County, speculated to be for a future casino.
Casino opponents argue this development could have a negative impact on the community.
During the press conference, which was held on the lawn of the statehouse, many local leaders and residents spoke out against the possible casino.
They fear it would take away from the countryside, bring crime to the area, and think the nearly 200-acre area is too close to a camp for children with special needs.
Malcolm Allen, from Eden, was one to speak out against the casino.
“Why would you put it at Camp Carefree right next to a facility for disabled kids or what? That proves to us right there that they consider profit over people and it’s all about the money," he said.
While there are some who are opposed to the idea, a group of legislators is in favor of this potential development.
Republican senate leader Phil Berger supports the casino plans.
Berger says it could bring $1.5 billion in new investments and thousands of jobs to the state.
“It would be several million additional dollars over and above the portion of the state taxes that the locality would receive… I would think that for Rockingham Count you’re probably talking about a net influx of new dollars to local government of $10 to $15 million annually," Berger said.
Those opposed also say the casino could bring crime to the area. However, Senator Berger says the data from other casino locations does not support that fear.
The proposals on the table would permit casinos that are part of “entertainment districts."
The districts could be in Anson, Nash and Rockingham counties, it would also allow the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to run a casino in eastern North Carolina.
Senator Berger says there is bipartisan support and opposition for the casinos, which means there's no way to make everyone happy.
“Ultimately a decision has to be made as to whether or not we go forward or don’t go forward and that decision-making process involves weighing the pluses and the minuses and we’re not going to satisfy everybody there will be folks who will be opposed if we say yes there will be folks that will be disappointed if we say no," said Berger.
Berger says the house is caucusing to see if they have enough support to put casino language in the state budget bill, which they will vote on sometime next week.
In the meantime, those opposed are taking things to the next level. They've created an organization to support the costs of an attorney.
Rockingham County resident Doug Isley says they're going to do everything they can to prevent a casino from coming.
“I just guess there’s a passion in a lot of folk's heart to continue to fight this fight, to try to make a difference. Everybody says well you’ll never win, you’ll never win, hey it’s not over until it’s over and we’re not done it’s not over," said Isley.
Gov. Roy Cooper recently spoke on the issue. Cooper said he needs to know more about the proposal before making a decision.
"I would have to see what the proposals are. The problem is all of this is being negotiated behind closed doors. We really don't know how much the state is going to get. I don't necessarily oppose the idea, but I want to see what they're opposing," Cooper said.
Cooper said lawmakers could try to put a casino clause in the state budget.
It's important to note -- currently, North Carolina law prohibits casinos outside of Tribal lands.
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