Washoe commissioners approve Boomtown expansion plan

Thursday, Nov. 13, 1997 | 11:28 a.m.

About 500 people packed the Washoe County Commission chambers as commissioners approved the plan that would convert Boomtown from a truck stop to northern Nevada's largest gambling and entertainment complex.

Boomtown's proposal includes construction of 2,100-room hotel tower, 100,000 square feet of casino space, an 18-hole golf course and an outdoor entertainment area featuring three thrill rides.

The plan was previously rejected by planning commissioners, but Boomtown appealed to county commissioners, who gave it their stamp of approval after a meeting that lasted beyond midnight Wednesday.

The project must still be approved by regional water and planning commissions.

Verdi residents complained the complex along Interstate 80 would ruin their rural community, create traffic nightmares and strain sewer and water systems.

But commissioners said Boomtown's property is properly zoned for the project.

"We have to look at these things on a county- and region-wide basis," said commission Chairwoman Joanne bond, whose district includes Verdi. "We can't stand still. We have to do everything we can to stay competitive.

"They have the land. They have the zoning."