Herndon To Prohibit Casinos As Town Seeks Control Of Downtown Land From Comstock: Reports
Herndon moves to ban casinos and reclaim downtown land from Comstock while advancing community-focused redevelopment plans.Summary
The Town of Herndon is formally withdrawing a proposal that would have regulated gambling facilities and instead changing its code to strictly prohibit casinos within town limits. Mayor Keven LeBlanc said the town initially considered restrictive requirements but now seeks express denial as state-level casino threats have diminished after a gubernatorial veto. The Herndon Planning Commission is expected to recommend formal denial of prior gambling language, with a Town Council vote scheduled for May 26. Herndon emphasizes its actions have been preventative, noting there was never an active casino proposition in its downtown.
Since 2023, Comstock Holding Companies has spent over $3.5 million on lobbyists and political contributions to advance casino legislation in Virginia. Concurrently, Herndon remains engaged in a legal effort to reclaim downtown land from Comstock, which still holds the deed despite backing out of the Old Town redevelopment plan. The town filed a lawsuit and requested summary judgment; it awaits a Fairfax County Circuit Court ruling and faces potential appeals if it prevails.
While legal and zoning matters proceed, Herndon is launching community-focused initiatives to guide future growth, including a Downtown Action Plan, Metro Gateway for transit-oriented development, W&OD Corridor Plan to activate trail and retail areas, and Herndon 2050, its comprehensive plan under community review.
(Source：Patch)