THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 10, 1994 TAG: 9411100647
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B01 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TONI WHITT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Long : 122 lines
City officials think they've found a way to begin developing their waterfront, and they are going after it with the same energy they pursued a horse racing track - but, they hope, with a little more luck.
Officials here are looking for a riverboat-gambling operator who will build a hotel and convention center on the waterfront, and a family park, including an amphitheater, at the mouth of the Downtown Tunnel.
They believe the odds are good that they'll get what they want - if the General Assembly and Portsmouth voters approve the concept of riverboat gambling.
Even though the riverboat authorization is uncertain, the city has requested proposals that include its dreams for the old Coast Guard Station near City Hall.
The city has already passed out 10 packages to ``major casino operators,'' said Steve Herbert, assistant economic development director. All the proposals are due back by Dec. 2 - in time to pick a winner before the General Assembly reconvenes next year.
Herbert and council members said they want to be prepared if legislators and voters approve the new gaming bill.
By asking for bids now, Councilman James C. Hawks said, the city wants to increase interest in Portsmouth as a riverboat site. He said the city hopes that the casino operator it chooses will help lobby the General Assembly.
``A lot depends on the legislature, whether it passes and how many licenses they let,'' Hawks said. ``If the legislature does act on it this year, I feel like we need somebody in Richmond that has an interest in it.''
The city envisions a riverboat basin and entertainment complex on 15 acres along the Elizabeth River. The basin would include bulkheaded pier space for the riverboat, an upscale hotel, retail shops, an entertainment complex and the riverboat gaming operations.
The city also wants the developer to put in a new Portsmouth Park on a 3- to 4-acre parcel behind the complex that would include an amphitheater and other recreational facilities and would act as ``the front door'' to traffic coming in from the Downtown Tunnel.
Also included in the proposal is High Street Landing, which would feature a new Portside Marketplace, a harbor, bulkheaded pier space and a city parking garage.
Some of the items may end up as a public/private partnership, said Councilman P. Ward Robinett.
``I think that our proposal is our Christmas list,'' Robinett said. ``That's what the administration would like to see someone propose. All of that is subject to negotiation, I'm sure. If the only thing you ask for is a gravel parking lot, that's probably the only thing you're going to get. It's got the makings of being a public/private partnership.''
The plans are part of an overall revitalization effort put together by Ray Gindroz, an urban design consultant from Pittsburgh.
The request for proposals states: ``The city envisions the waterfront project as a large-scale complex environment with city-wide, regional and even national significance. It is of paramount importance to the city that the new waterfront project . . . provides a balanced mix of gaming, family entertainment, hospitality and public improvements . . . ''
While the city's proposal is ambitious, several council members are optimistic that the casinos will give them what they want.
``The revenues from these boats, you just can't believe it,'' said Mayor Gloria O. Webb. ``Almost anything you ask for, whether it's a 300-room hotel or a pavilion for family entertainment, they're willing to talk about it all.''
Several council members said gaming companies have approached the city in the past about bringing riverboat gambling to Portsmouth.
``We'll see how serious these people are, and what they can offer us,'' Webb said.
Vice Mayor Johnny M. Clemons said: ``I think we'll get bids on those things and more. We don't just want a riverboat and nothing else.''
Councilman Cameron C. Pitts is the only council member unsure of bringing riverboat gambling to Portsmouth. He said he fears the social ills created by a gambling operation will cost the city more than the benefits the operation offers. He said he will oppose the proposal if he is not convinced it will help the city.
The request for proposals puts Portsmouth in direct competition with Norfolk and Hampton, cities that have been talking about riverboat gambling for years.
``If Norfolk has a boat, we need one here,'' Webb said. ``We're prepared to be in the competition.''
Hawks said: ``Everybody in the industry indicates that there's plenty of population base to support that kind of gaming industry here.''
Del. Jerrauld C. Jones, D-Norfolk, has introduced legislation in the last two years that would allow 14 floating casinos in seven eastern Virginia locales.
Jones said he doesn't know how Portsmouth's bid would affect Norfolk.
``I don't know if the competition would hurt,'' Jones said.
``I have known that Portsmouth was always interested in riverboat gaming.''
Portsmouth City Manager V. Wayne Orton suggested two years ago that Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News and Hampton create a regional gaming authority so that they could share in the cost and profits of riverboats. The other cities weren't interested, Webb said, so Portsmouth is ready to fight for one of seven licenses suggested in earlier legislation.
Jones said he may be lucky his third time at bat.
``Support for it grows everyday in the legislature and out of the legislature,'' Jones said. ``We just want to give the localities a chance to decide.''
If the General Assembly approves riverboat gambling, localities seeking it would have to put the matter to residents in a referendum.
In the meantime, he said, the cities that want riverboat gambling should be seeking bids.
``I don't think the cities are premature,'' Jones said. ``The cities foresee so much political support for this they want to be sure they are prepared.'' ILLUSTRATION: [Color]
An artist's sketch of the proposed 15-acre waterfront complex
Staff map
Proposed riverboat casino
For copy of map, see microfilm
KEYWORDS: PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
RIVERBOAT GAMBLING
by CNB