Casino news source: Sun Herald - http://www.sunherald.com
Casino planning expansion
McDonald's plans to rebuild
By TOM WILEMON
tewilemon@sunherald.com
BILOXI --
The Biloxi Planning Commission on Thursday recommended approval of Boomtown's plans to expand its surface parking and McDonald's plans to rebuild its downtown eatery.
Boomtown has bought almost an entire city block between Lameuse and Main streets, stretching from Bayview Avenue to Elder Street. Along with other parcels, the casino now either owns or leases just under 23 acres.
The commission recommended that all the property be rezoned for casino use. Boomtown has no other plans at present than to use the additional land for surface parking. The casino's lawyer Mike Cavanaugh said master planning continues.
The southernmost point of the property is catty-cornered from the Gorenflo Elementary, but Biloxi Superintendent of Education Paul Tisdale, who was present at the meeting, raised no objection to the rezoning. The casino said it would leave a greenscape buffer at the southern end of the property.
Jeff Pickich, a resident of Main Street, complained about noise from 18-wheelers and recreational vehicles that are already parking on the property. Kreg Overstreet, an engineer designing the parking lot, said the design of the paved lot would prevent large vehicles from using it. Casino officials also expressed a willingness to build a wall around the parking lot to cut down on noise.
McDonald's has bought more land north of its downtown location. The new site plan allows for better traffic flow than the old restaurant's, in a converted bank building.
Andy Hulsey, area construction manager for McDonald's, said the exterior will be of concrete blocks that resemble bricks and the colors will be more muted earthtones because of the location.
Both projects still need approval from the Biloxi City Council. |
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