Years after it was first proposed, the Norfolk casino planned for the land near Harbor Park finally has a development certificate.

Norfolk City Council members voted 7-1 Tuesday evening to approve a development certificate for the casino, bringing the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming a step closer to beginning construction on the long-planned project.

Council member Andria McClellan, a longtime opponent of the casino project, voted no. She also expressed concern about the potential for smoking to be allowed in the facility.