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Reno Locals Don't Support Gaming Proposal

SPARKS Nevada – As reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal: "Most Sparks and Spanish Springs residents recently polled by telephone say gaming and residential neighborhoods aren't a good mix, according to a Sparks survey released Wednesday.

"Sixty percent of 802 Washoe County voters polled in the survey said they didn't want a casino near their homes.

"…Officials for Red Hawk Land Co. LLC., which is proposing an 18,000-square-foot resort-casino with at least 200 rooms along Pyramid Highway just north of Lazy 5 Regional Park, were not aware of the poll results and would not comment. The company is headed by Reno lawyer and gaming lobbyist Harvey Whittemore.

"…But residents were divided on whether a casino could reduce property values. About 35 percent of those polled thought a casino would decrease the selling price of their home. Yet the same number didn't think neighborhood gaming would affect property values.

"…Sparks officials ordered the survey as part of studies, such as traffic and economic impacts, to determine the effects of neighborhood gaming. The survey was designed to determine resident use of nonrestricted and restricted casinos, perceptions of neighborhood casinos and preferred services if a neighborhood casino were built in the commercial area of a Sparks neighborhood.

"…City planner Margaret Powell said the council could consider public opinion when deliberating whether to allow nonrestricted gaming outside of Victorian Square…"

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