Article Text

Nearly two years after the possibility of a casino in Fairfax County’s Silver Line corridor surfaced, Comstock Companies has publicly outlined its vision for a casino-anchored entertainment district in Tysons.

Comstock Executive Vice President for Development John Harrison called the proposal an opportunity to bring an entertainment anchor to Tysons during a Fairfax County NAACP online forum on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

The company is considering a major mixed-use development centered on a vacant parcel at 8546 Leesburg Pike, near the Spring Hill Metro Station and Adaire Apartments. In addition to a casino, the project could feature apartments, a performing arts venue, hotel, convention center, retail and an “IMAX-esque” movie theater.

The former Aston Martin and Bentley dealership property would form the core of the development. Comstock controls that site, although the project’s final size would depend on how much surrounding land the company can secure.

The parcel was previously included in the View at Tysons development approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2019. That 3-million-square-foot proposal from Clemente Development Company and Khaled Juffali Co. included housing, offices, a hotel, retail and a performing arts center, but it has not been built.

Comstock could also face competition for the project if Fairfax County voters eventually authorize casino gambling.

New legislation would open the door to a referendum

On the day of the NAACP forum, Virginia Sen. Scott Surovell, a Democrat representing District 34, introduced legislation that would allow—but not require—the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to schedule a casino referendum.

Senate Bill 982 largely mirrors a measure introduced in 2024 by Sen. Dave Marsden, a Democrat representing District 35. Lawmakers deferred Marsden’s bill during the 2024 General Assembly session, and it was killed later that year.

Surovell’s proposal effectively restricts a casino to a location within a quarter-mile of a Metro station in the Tysons area. Unlike the previous measure, it would also require the casino to be part of a mixed-use development containing at least 1.5 million square feet.

The bill was scheduled for consideration during the 2025 General Assembly session, whose opening had been delayed until Monday, Jan. 13.

Neither a developer nor a specific property is named in the legislation. Harrison said a site would be selected only after voters approved a referendum and described the process as a “very public competition.”

Supporters and opponents clash over the potential impact

Community questions during the 90-minute forum revealed concerns about crime, gambling addiction, social distress and the possibility of disproportionate harm to people of color, moderator Michael Lee Pope said.

Residents also raised questions about traffic near the proposed site and where tax revenue generated by a casino would go.

Lynne Mulston, president of the Reston Citizens Association and leader of the No Fairfax Casino Coalition, argued that neither Northern Virginia nor Tysons would benefit.

“It would be bad for the county—economically, socially and fiscally,” Mulston said.

Comstock characterized the casino as a relatively small but essential piece of a broader entertainment district. Harrison said the company has “some great ideas” for the property.

Labor groups have backed the proposal following a labor-peace agreement between Comstock and a coalition of unions. The agreements would apply to both construction workers and employees at the completed facility.

Northern Virginia Labor Federation President Virginia Diamond called the commitments “unprecedented” and “transformational,” saying they could change many lives.

Critics have questioned why Surovell and Marsden are pursuing a casino in Tysons when neither senator represents the area. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has not adopted a formal position. Individual supervisors have ranged from skeptical but willing to seek the authority for a local vote to firmly opposed.

Supporters say a casino could strengthen Fairfax County’s commercial tax revenue as falling office-building values contribute to budget pressures.

Terry Clower, director of George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis, said his organization had not formally examined Comstock’s plan but viewed its potential favorably.

“We need to look for ways to diversify our tax base,” Clower said, adding that the county was not in dire financial condition but faced growing challenges. He argued that a casino could help create a stronger sense of place in Tysons while generating state and local tax revenue.

“I think it’s the best option going forward,” Clower said.

Harrison acknowledged that Comstock must respond to the public’s concerns even though the company believes the proposal has substantial merit. He offered to return for another discussion.

Although casino supporters outnumbered her three to one on the panel, Mulston praised the forum as balanced and fair.

Fairfax County NAACP President Niki Zimmerman described the event as a dynamic but respectful conversation.

“It wasn’t hostile. That has given me hope,” Zimmerman said, while acknowledging that “not everyone’s going to get what they want.”