Approval of Rezoning Proposal in Irving
In the early hours of Tuesday, the planning and zoning commission of Irving approved a rezoning proposal that may pave the way for future casino gaming and possibly a sports arena. The decision followed seven hours of public commentary, culminating in a 5-4 vote in favor of two amendments that will be forwarded to the city council for final approval.
The proposed development will cover 1,001 acres, including the site of the former Texas Stadium, and will sit near State Highway 183, Loop 12, and Spur 482. Approximately 452 acres of this area are deemed suitable for construction. Plans for the site involve a combination of corporate offices, retail outlets, residential units, and a destination resort.
This destination resort is envisioned to feature a hotel with 1,750 rooms, various dining options, pools, shops, a 15,000-seat arena, or a 4,000-seat theater, along with potential space for casino gaming, pending state legalization.
Among those opposing the rezoning was Irving resident Timothy Ashour, who argued that the city should prioritize family-oriented initiatives instead of just job creation. He expressed concern, saying, “We should postpone this rezoning discussion until casino gaming is legalized.”
Conversely, some community members supported the project, noting the job opportunities and economic advantages that a casino might offer. Former Texas Representative Rodney Anderson emphasized that this vote pertained to zoning and not directly to a casino, adding that the development has the potential to transform into a significant economic asset.
Recently, the proposal has faced scrutiny from residents worried about increased crime, the proposed project’s expedited timeline, and its ties to Las Vegas Sands Corp., which has been advocating for the legalization of gambling in Texas.
The Irving City Council is set to convene on Thursday to cast its vote on the rezoning proposal, an essential step for the project’s future planning. Critics within the commission expressed skepticism regarding the approval of a project contingent on the legalization of casino gaming.
