Las Vegas Sands Withdraws Casino Proposal in Irving, Texas
IRVING, Texas – Las Vegas Sands Corp. has officially requested the Irving City Council to withdraw its plans for a gaming destination resort on the site of the old Texas Stadium. This decision follows significant opposition from local residents, who voiced their concerns at a recent council meeting.
Community Opposition
The city council meeting, held on Thursday, generated considerable public interest, with nearly 200 residents registering to speak. All attendees expressed their disapproval of the casino proposal, showcasing a united front against the development.
In light of the strong community sentiment, the council voted 6-3 to amend the zoning proposal, effectively removing the casino element from the plans. However, the council did stop short of permanently prohibiting a casino at the site should state gaming laws evolve in the future.
Revised Development Plans
Prior to the community’s response, on March 18, the Irving Planning and Zoning Commission had voted to rezone the old Texas Stadium site, setting the stage for what was proposed to be a substantial 4-million-square-foot resort and casino.
Following the backlash, representatives from Las Vegas Sands indicated intentions to still pursue development, albeit on a smaller scale, potentially incorporating hotels. Nonetheless, they acknowledged that this modified project would likely yield less revenue than originally anticipated with the casino.
Concerns from Residents
Residents raised several issues during the council meeting, including worries about increased traffic, the potential for crime, and gambling addiction. In response, Las Vegas Sands offered to allocate funds to support local law enforcement; however, many residents were skeptical, suggesting that the company’s priorities were aligned more closely with their own interests.
“A few hours before this meeting, Sands asked for four words to be removed from the ordinance amendment: ‘destination resort and casino gaming.’ I ask that we keep them—but just add two words in front: ‘prohibited use,’” remarked Marisa Robles, a concerned resident.
Future Considerations
Despite the withdrawal of the casino proposal, speculation continues regarding potential developments at the site. Some observers suggest that Las Vegas Sands, which owns the Dallas Mavericks, might consider constructing an arena to attract the basketball team away from the American Airlines Center. However, both the Mavericks and Sands have not confirmed any plans regarding relocation.
