Georgia lawmakers consider gaming expansion

The topic came up during the Savannah City Council’s legislative luncheon on Hutchinson, after Alderman Tom Bordeaux asked about rumors of a plan to legalize gambling there. “I think it would be a horrible mistake,” Bordeaux said.

State Rep. Mickey Stephens said he expects legislation to be introduced next year by state Rep. Ron Stephens to legalize gambling on Hutchinson, which he supports as a way to generate jobs and revenue. However, the decision should go to residents in the form of a referendum, Mickey Stephens said. “I think the people should decide,” he said.

Ron Stephens, who was not at the luncheon, said later he did not believe legislation had to be introduced because Georgia’s constitution already allows gambling through the Georgia Lottery.

The Georgia Lottery’s board just needs to extend lottery options beyond scratch-off cards and numbers games to slot machines, Stephens said. Parameters would be put in place to restrict the casinos to Hutchinson and other potential tourism destinations, he said.

Like current lottery related sales, Stephens said, the revenue from the machines would go to Georgia’s HOPE scholarship program. He said he would consider legislation for a referendum but preferred not to have to wait until late next year for the casinos to become a reality. “I am absolutely convinced it would be an explosion of growth,” Stephens said.

The effort is not supported by the Savannah Harbor Associates, which is planning a mixed-use development east of The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, said John Cay, who is part of the joint venture that also includes Batson Cook Development Co. and CSX Realty Development. “It’s inconsistent with the vision of what we want to do on the island,” Cay said.

Mayor Edna Jackson said she thought the gambling issue should be left to residents to decide. Jackson and Savannah city staffers have been taking steps to accommodate development plans on Hutchinson since Chatham County officials made a failed attempt earlier this year to get state lawmakers’ support for the de-annexation of the island from the city limits.

As part of its legislative agenda, the city is seeking state funding for the estimated $14 million extension of the Hutchinson riverwalk around the harbor east of the Westin. The extension would feature a marina adjacent to Savannah Harbor Associate’s planned mixed-use development on east side of the channel. “That needs to happen before we do anything,” Cay said.

The city has also prioritized the construction of a fire and police station on the island.