Sunday, July 09, 2006

As reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal: "After hours of testimony
stretching into this morning, the Sparks Planning Commission delayed a vote
on whether a casino could be part of the Lazy 8 resort development in
Spanish Springs. A motion and second to deny the casino was withdrawn after
Community Development Director Neil Krutz told the seven commissioners that
would require staff to develop justification for the action. When Assistant
City Attorney David Creekman suggested the panel postpone a vote due to the
late hour, the audience groaned,. ".The audience of about 200 had dwindled
to about 60 by the time the commission adjourned after 1 a.m. More than 30
witnesses testified.

".Getting an amendment could be more difficult after recent changes
regarding tourist-commercial zoning in Sparks. The council voted Dec. 12 to
change the areas where tourist commercial development could take place,
restricting it to near Interstate 80 and the Truckee River.

"Tierra Del Sol plans include about 315,000 square feet of development with
an 18,000-square-foot casino, 200 hotel rooms, movie theater and
restaurants.

"The developers have agreed to give $300,000 to the city for affordable
housing and propose a 4,800-square-foot community services building."