Petersburg City Council considering expansion of road nearby new casino

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Petersburg leaders have their minds on expansion for the area around the new Live! Casino.

At a Feb. 3 Petersburg City Council meeting, city manager March Altman proposed extending Wagner Road west and rezoning the area to prepare for redevelopment.

Wagner Road connects Interstate 95 to the Live! Casino, which opened in January. As it stands now, Wagner ends at its intersection with S. Crater Road. Altman proposed extending it further to meet with Flank Road.

"It would open up that property to development," Altman said. "There's probably about 80 acres in that area that could be utilized."

Altman said the extension would also provide a more direct connection from the casino and future casino hotel to surrounding attractions like the sports complex and golf course.

The intersection is currently home to a few gas stations, fast food restaurants and a Super 8 hotel. The area north of Flank Road is mostly residential.

Altman also proposed rezoning some of the area to accommodate future business developments. He said he believes that the entire area will be redeveloped over time and that these changes could set the city up for success.

"We're being proactive, as we know -- because [of] what's going to happen," Altman said to the council. "And I know some of you have had the phone calls from business owners down there, that they're getting offered crazy money for their property, and it's coming. And that redevelopment is going to come. It's probably in our best interest to be prepared for that."

The council agreed with Altman. The meeting was a joint session with the Petersburg Planning Commission, so the council asked the commission to take a look at the area in question and come back with recommendations.

The idea is still in very early stages. 8News will bring you updates when developments are made.