Though the Cabell County Commission voted unanimously to put the question of a casino in downtown Huntington on the ballot in November’s election, there are some obstacles that stand in the project’s way.
Commissioner L.D. Egnor pointed out that there will most probably be some kind of legal challenge by casino opponents to prevent the issue from being put on the ballot.
Then there is the distinct possibility that voters will reject the idea in November if it does get put on the ballot. Egnor did point out that though it was well known the commission would vote on the matter Thursday, no one showed up at the meeting to speak against putting it on the ballot.
Commission member J.R. Blankenship is worried about how the legislation allowing casino gambling in the state is written. Some contend that the state legislature wrote the legislation for casino gambling expressly for the Greenbrier Hotel.
Frederick Building owner John Hankins told the commission that he has spoken to legal counsel and has studied the legislative matter very carefully.
“I believe this property can be made to qualify,” said Hankins.
The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, but to qualify it must become a National Landmark.
“The Frederick was built in 1906, while the Greenbrier was built in 1922, after their older building burnt down,” Hankins told the commission. “I have been in contact with the National Park Service…and we will be applying for National Landmark designation,” he said.
If the legal challenge mentioned by Egnor fails, and the people vote in favor of casino gambling in November, then the state lottery commission must issue a ruling.
Should the project becomes a reality and the Pullman Square project proceeds, this could mean up to $100 million in development for downtown Huntington.