Plans to develop casino property extended

BILOXI — The Broadwater Casino could be back on the table in the next few weeks.

Michael Cox, representing the Broadwater Development property owners, told the Biloxi Planning Commission Thursday they hope to soon have an agreement signed with an international entertainment corporation to develop the entire property.

The Planning Commission approved an 18-month extension of the preliminary site plans for a billion-dollar project on 261 acres. The original plans include two casinos, condotels, entertainment areas, a golf course and homes.

In a marathon of cases and decisions, the Planning Commission voted for an enlarged South Beach Condominiums, for allowing a group of property owners to have their land next to Palace Casino collectively rezoned waterfront and for 21-unit Briarfield Beach Cottage Condominiums on 1.07 acres. Gulf Coast Investment Developers, the applicant for a mixed-use project at 2490 Beach Blvd., asked to postpone its hearing until the Sept. 20 meeting.

The board voted against Clark’s Service Station rebuilding on the sand beach after hearing from Chevis Swetman, representing the Gulf Coast Business Council, and General Clark Griffith, who chaired the Reviving the Renaissance Committee.

The proposal was for a 3,825-square-foot convenience store made of brick, stucco and block and 12 gas pumps with a yellow-metal weather canopy. All gas stations in the city are required to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the gas station owners agreed to meet the city requirements.

Swetman said the Business Council is concerned that corridor areas, including U.S. 90, not develop into “a hodgepodge of poor land choices.” The Biloxi Coast is one of the last stretches of open beachfront in America, he said, where the view isn’t blocked by a wall of concrete buildings.

“Since Katrina we talked about what we should have done after Camille in 1969,” said Swetman.

Griffin echoed Gov. Haley Barbour’s comments that if U.S. 90 once again becomes lined with gas stations, pawn shops and billboards, “we have failed.”

Allowing the gas station on the sand beach also poses a significant environmental hazard, Swetman said. He told the Planning Commission the Department of Marine Resources is interested in purchasing the land with Coastal Impact Assistance Program funds for open space.

After the vote, Commissioner Jamey Hunt said he doesn’t want gas stations, fast-food restaurants or billboards on the beach, and “I don’t want condos all up and down the beach, either.” Commissioner August Parker suggested creating a scenic or historic corridor on 90, and the board decided to consider that at the October 18 meeting.

All the cases now go before the Biloxi City Council for approval or denial.

Source: Mary Perez of Sun Herald

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