Roanoke Residents Envision Entertainment District, Shift Focus Away from Casino

City Council Slows Push for Casino, Focuses on Community Input for New Development

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Roanoke City Council has shifted its focus away from a proposed casino development, instead leading a focus group to gather community input on an entertainment district for the city. The group, led by Councilman Phazhon Nash, has heard from residents who prioritize attractions and amenities beyond a casino, such as increased safety and security measures. Police chiefs from Danville and Roanoke have provided insights on policing strategies that could be implemented in the potential entertainment district.

Why it matters

The shift away from a casino development signals the city's responsiveness to community concerns and a desire to create an entertainment district that aligns with the priorities of Roanoke residents. This approach could lead to a more vibrant and inclusive destination that enhances the city's appeal without the potential drawbacks associated with a casino.

The details

The entertainment district focus group, led by Councilman Phazhon Nash, has been gathering input from Roanoke residents on their vision for the city's future development. This comes after the initial announcement of a potential casino at the Berglund Center, which faced opposition from the community. During the focus group sessions, residents shared priorities such as increased safety and security measures, as well as a desire for attractions and amenities beyond a casino. Police chiefs from Danville and Roanoke provided insights on policing strategies that could be implemented in the entertainment district.

  • In 2025, Roanoke City Council announced a potential casino development at the Berglund Center.
  • The entertainment district focus group led by Councilman Phazhon Nash began in early 2026.

The players

Phazhon Nash

Roanoke City Councilman leading the entertainment district focus group.

Mayor Cobb

The mayor of Roanoke, who stated that a casino development at the Berglund Center is unlikely to progress.

Chris Wiles

Danville Police Chief, who provided insights on the impact of Caesars Virginia's casino operation in Danville.

Scott Booth

Roanoke Police Chief, who presented the department's community-focused policing strategies that could be implemented in the potential entertainment district.

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What they’re saying

“We really wanted to be able to answer some of those questions and like I said, pick our participants' brains and really figure out what do they see this being in the future.”

— Phazhon Nash, Roanoke City Councilman (WDBJ7)

“We do something called neighborhood policing here in the city of Roanoke, describing the community-focused approach that has proven effective in both Richmond and Danville.”

— Scott Booth, Roanoke Police Chief (WDBJ7)

What’s next

The city council will continue to gather community input through the various sessions planned for the entertainment district focus group. After this process, they will decide on the viable next steps and the direction for the city's future development.

The takeaway

Roanoke's shift away from a casino development and towards a more community-driven entertainment district reflects the city's responsiveness to resident concerns. By prioritizing safety, security, and a diverse range of attractions, the city has the opportunity to create a vibrant and inclusive destination that enhances the quality of life for Roanoke residents.