The Irving City Council is scheduled to vote on a rezoning proposal this Thursday that may pave the way for a mixed-use development featuring a resort, which could potentially include a casino if Texas legalizes gambling.
In recent weeks, many Irving residents have voiced their opinions, with a significant number opposing the project. This sentiment was also expressed during a planning and zoning commission hearing earlier this week, where the proposal received initial approval.
KERA’s Megan Cardona has been covering the developments and discussed the situation with host Justin Martin as the council meeting approaches.
Background of the Proposal
Discussions around this development began in 2022 when Las Vegas Sands Corp. secured an agreement to acquire the land where Texas Stadium once was, along with adjacent land. The property covers about 1,000 acres near State Highway 183 and Loop 12, with 452 acres designated for construction.
In 2023, the land was officially purchased, and now Sands seeks to rezone it for a “high-density, mixed-use development,” which includes commercial, retail, and residential spaces, as well as the potential for an athletic arena and a resort. The inclusion of a casino has stirred the most controversy.
Casino Gaming Legislation in Texas
Currently, casino gaming is illegal in Texas; however, there has been a strong movement to change that. Over the past four years, Las Vegas Sands has been at the forefront of lobbying efforts aiming to legalize casino gambling in the state.
Concerns have arisen among community members and local officials about the feasibility of this plan without the backing of concrete legislation. Commissioner Daniel Denny highlighted that while there may be expectations for regulated casinos, the future of such legislation remains uncertain.
Relationship to North Texas
Las Vegas Sands finalized its land acquisition shortly before Miriam Adelson, a major shareholder in the company, obtained a controlling interest in the Dallas Mavericks. This connection has drawn attention amid the team’s recent controversies. Additionally, Patrick Dumont, the Mavericks’ governor, was recently appointed as the next chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands.
Future of the Mavericks
Speculation regarding a potential relocation of the Mavericks has surfaced, but it remains unsubstantiated. Mark Boekenheide from Las Vegas Sands indicated to the planning and zoning commission that an arena would be constructed if the resort is approved, without confirming whether it would be intended for a sports team.
Next Steps
Following a lengthy public comment period during the planning and zoning commission meeting, which largely featured opposition to the inclusion of the casino gaming component, the proposal passed with a 5-4 vote. The decision now lies with the city council to determine whether to rezone the area for future gambling possibilities.
