Rockingham County officials approved a zoning request that could pave the way for a casino in the rural county — a win for lawmakers who have been quietly planning a proposed expansion of commercial casinos in the state.
The county’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to rezone 192 acres along U.S. 220 near Madison. The zoning allows for a variety of commercial applications.
The approval came despite heavy opposition from residents who filled six overflow rooms around the county’s governmental center and a seventh location outdoors broadcasting an audio-only feed for the commission’s regular meeting.
Lawmakers haven’t issued a formal proposal, but draft legislation obtained by WRAL last month indicated that they want to legalize commercial casinos in several parts of the state, including Rockingham County.
