The Rose seeks gaming expansion amid delay in Dumfries park project approval

The soon-to-open The Rose gaming resort operators are about to ask the Dumfries Town Council for permission to install more gaming machines than planned, even if the greenspace they promised residents as part of the development won’t be built yet.

Churchill Downs, Inc., owners of the Rose, a 310-room hotel, video slot gaming parlor, restaurant, and entertainment destination, have submitted their original development package adjustments to Dumfries Town Council. The town council will hold a special public meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 17739 Main Street, to rule on the matter.

Part of the original agreement was constructing a park on top of the old Potomac Landfill, a construction debris trash heap off Interstate 95. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has yet to authorize the public park to be built, requiring the park to be located atop the now-closed construction debris trash heap next to Interstate 95.

The 62 acres of green space are expected to include seven acres of a public park, consisting of a multi-sports field, dog park, and children’s play area with restrooms and parking. The Gaming resort may proceed with opening its resort even if the delay in the park’s opening is beyond Churchill Downs, Inc.’s control.

Churchill Downs spokesman Michael Kelly announced the new commitments in a press release on February 9. He reiterated the allegiance between Churchill Downs, Inc. and Dumfries. Modifying the original plans includes a binding agreement to the opening of Phase Two of the project and $2 million to support the design of a new community center in exchange for branding rights to the community center.

As a nod to the building delay, Churchill Downs, Inc. will pay Dumfries Town Council $3.6 million in lost tax revenue and $400,000 monthly if the gaming resort fails to open by July 31, 2024. Churchhill Downs has not provided a reason for the delay.

In September 2023, Potomac Local was the first to tell you The Rose would be delayed six months from its original opening date of late 2023.

Churchill Downs, Inc. will also guarantee that it will hire local staff as much as possible and provide a starting salary of at least $15 per hour.

Kelly describes the new package as “an exciting development of new commitments as we approach the opening of the Rose, ”which further cements the relationship between the Dumfries and Churchill Downs, Inc. In exchange for the new package of concessions, Churchill Downs seeks to install additional slot machines in their gaming parlor.

Dumfries Planning Commission will hold a public meeting tonight, Monday, February 12, at 7 o’clock. to discuss the revised application and will report its recommendations to Dumfries Town Council. The Council has been asked to react to the Planning Council recommendations and the proposed proffer amendment “based on public necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good zoning practice,” according to a staff report in the Dumfries Town Council agenda.

Town Mayor Derrick Wood stated in a press release the new changes are positive and “reflect a shared dedication to the growth and enrichment of our town,”

Rosies Gaming Emporium opened in January 2021, putting Dumfries on the map as a gambling destination and a home for video slot machines. When its much larger predecessor, The Rose, eventually opens, it will feature video slot machines, bars and restaurants, conference space, and 310 hotel rooms.

Sarah Romero is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.

If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!

• Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
• Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.