Two local Yokohama groups have submitted a request to the city asking them to stop further work on an IR bid, according to a Jiji Press report
Yokohama city is still contemplating an IR bid which, if realized, is very likely to be located at Yamashita Pier. According to officials, Yokohama Port Association and Yokohama Port Harbor Resort Association, both chaired by Yukio Fujiki, submitted their request last Thursday.
The request stresses that it is entirely unacceptable to proceed with an IR/casino on Yamashita Pier when the residents are not happy. It states that the redevelopment of the pier, with any project, “must only proceed if the goal is wholesome and can attain the majority agreement of the residents” such as an international exhibition center.
It was also reported that an international exhibition hall would have an economic impact of JPY2 trillion and 20 million visitors annually, which is greater than the JPY1.7 trillion touted by casino operators.
Yokohama city officials commented that they had indeed received the letter and would respond in time.