The University of Dallas faces potential transformation as plans for a casino just steps away spark controversy, with alumni and faculty voicing concerns about the shift in community values and safety risks
Irving, Texas – The proposal to build a casino near the University of Dallas has sparked a heated debate among local residents, city officials, and the university community. With the potential site located just a five-minute walk from the university, the “Destination Resort Casino” could become a prominent feature of the area, visible even from the university’s Mall. This development raises concerns given Texas’ current laws where gambling is prohibited under Chapter 47 of the Texas Penal Code.
In recent discussions, the Irving City Council has shown a surprising openness to the idea, thanks to political shifts and a proposal for a trigger law that would allow bypassing zoning restrictions if gambling is legalized statewide. The land for the proposed casino, known as PUD-6, has a complex history of ownership transfers involving the university and real estate entities connected to Las Vegas Sands, a major casino company.
This Thursday, the topic was formally brought before the City Council, eliciting a spectrum of reactions. Councilman Kyle Taylor from District 7 expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the casino, highlighting the possible benefits despite acknowledging the challenges.
His stance was supported by some council members but met with stark opposition from others, including District 4’s Councilman Luis Canosa, who questioned whether residents had been adequately informed about the project. The mayor and other council members rebuffed Canosa’s concerns, with some heated exchanges highlighting the tension surrounding the proposal.
The planning and zoning commission recently witnessed significant pushback from the community during a work session. Many residents, including alumni from the University of Dallas, voiced their concerns about the potential for increased crime and a shift away from the family-oriented values that characterize Irving. The proximity of the proposed casino to religious institutions and residential areas adds to the community’s apprehensions.
In response, opposition has begun to organize. A notable initiative is an online petition against the rezoning for the casino, which has gathered over 1,700 signatures. Dr. Jonathan Sanford, president of the university, articulated his reservations about the casino’s proximity to educational and religious institutions, emphasizing the lack of compelling arguments for such a development and its potentially negative implications.
Faculty members and students at the University of Dallas are actively participating in the resistance. Dr. Matthew Berry, an assistant professor of politics, has been particularly vocal, urging students to contact city council representatives and engage in community outreach against the casino.
John Paul Malloy, a sophomore at the university, has also been rallying his peers, utilizing social platforms to organize opposition and prepare for the upcoming planning and zoning committee session. This session will be crucial, as it will provide a forum for public opinion and potentially determine the future of the rezoning proposal.
As the debate continues, with a city council meeting looming on the horizon, the university community stands united in its concern over the casino’s impact on academic and family life in Irving, reinforcing the need for a thorough and transparent deliberation process.
