Gaming briefs for July 15, 2003

Tuesday, July 15, 2003 | 11:08 a.m.

Marrandino steps down as resort general manager

Don Marrandino, executive vice president and general manager of Wynn Las Vegas, is leaving the $2.4 billion Strip resort being built by casino executive Steve Wynn.

Marrandino, who left the Hard Rock hotel-casino earlier this year to take the post with Wynn, sought to be released from his contract when Wynn decided Marc Schorr would be the top executive of the resort, which will open in 2005.

Schorr is president of Wynn Las Vegas and is chief operating officer of Wynn Resorts Ltd., the parent company. Steve Wynn decided Schorr, a longtime associate, would run the Las Vegas resort after construction delays were forecast for Wynn Macau, which he was targeted to operate.

Marrandino could not be reached for comment today on his plans.

Council may extend high-rise moratorium

BILOXI, Miss. -- The Biloxi City Council is considering extending a temporary suspension on permits for high-rise buildings, including a casino, that expires next week.

The moratorium, which passed June 17, temporarily halted developments along a stretch of beach front near Keesler Air Force Base until work could be completed on a proposed air safety ordinance.

Councilman Jim Compton sponsored extending the moratorium until Sept. 29, saying it would give the council time to consider the city planning commission's recommendation.

"Balancing what Keesler is asking for and balancing the needs of the condominiums, I think we would be better off delaying the condominiums a little bit longer," he said.

Compton said the council could vote on the issue on July 29.

However, coast attorney Britt Singletary said the delay of pending high rises could end up in court and cost the taxpayers of Biloxi.

Singletary represents Seabreeze Condominiums and Treasure Bay Casino, two of the developers affected by the moratorium.