Seeking to elevate its proposal to build a $517 million casino resort in Richmond, Urban One announced plans Tuesday to partner with several local businesses and give back $30 million in charitable donations and initiatives.
In a news conference next to the Phillip Morris factory where the Black-owned media conglomerate plans to build its One Casino + Resort, Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins and Lester Johnson Jr., owner of Mama J’s restaurant and a prospective investor in the project, pitched it as the most community-oriented plan.
Mayor Levar Stoney declined to comment on any of the proposals that were due to the city Monday, but acknowledged that he wants to select a project that will meet community expectations and create the best value for Richmond. State law allows the city to have a single casino.
“It means more than just [tax] revenue,” Stoney said in a press briefing Tuesday. “We’re talking about community benefits that are going to uplift our community and center around economic justice.”
