Business & Tech
Voters Will Decide on Table Games at Newport Grand — Again
The Newport City Council voted 4-3 to approve a resolution that will ask the General Assembly to but a table game question on the local ballot this November.
Newporters will decide whether or not table games will be allowed at Newport Grand after a 4-3 vote by the City Council last night.
The vote approved a measure asking the General Assembly to put a resolution on the ballot asking Newporters to approve or deny table games at the facility, just two years after the same question was rejected.
The vote by the City Council ensures a team of investors hoping to turn the former Newport Jai Alai into a high-end casino will get a chance to promote their plans for a few more months.
The investors include Joseph Paolino, the former mayor of Providence, who said in a statement last night that they are "encouraged" by the vote and look forward to work with the General Assembly to ensure passage there as well.
"Our vision for Newport Grand is clear – we are committed to saving hundreds of jobs and creating even more, developing a space that suits the character of the community, and bolstering the city and state’s economy. We are ready to share our vision with the voters," he said.
The vote came after lengthy testimony — including previous meetings before last night — both for and against the casino.
More details and comments from both sides of the discussion last night will be posted soon.
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