Whittemore’s latest plan for Sparks casino draws criticism

Saturday, Oct. 22, 2005 | 10:41 a.m.

SPARKS, Nev. - In response to a public outcry over his original proposal, casino lobbyist and real estate developer Harvey Whittemore has unveiled a new plan for a hotel-casino in Sparks.

Whittemore and Peppermill Casinos are seeking approval from Sparks officials to build a $100 million ranch-themed resort on 20 acres just north of a library and regional park in Spanish Springs Valley.

The new proposal is much larger than the original plan for a $35 million to $45 million entertainment complex with a casino.

"It is not a Peppermill - it is a totally new design with a very ranch-like and farm-like feel," said Carlos Vasquez, spokesman for Whittemore and the Peppermill.

"We realized we had the wrong product for the public out there. We redesigned it to what you see now. It fits in better with the environment and the community," Vasquez added.

But Spanish Springs residents said the changes would not stop their efforts to defeat the project proposed along the Pyramid Highway.

"It's still non-restricted gaming within 50 yards of homes," said Roy Adams, who has spearheaded a petition drive against the casino. "It's still non-restricted gaming within 200 yards of a park and library. People are still opposed to it."

Shirley Bertschinger, another vocal opponent, agreed.

"This is a ruse by Mr. Whittemore to get around the opposition to him," she told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "The opposition isn't against him. It's against the casino."

The proposed Lazy 8 project - north of Lazy 5 Regional Park - calls for 350,000 square feet of buildings, an 18,000-square-foot casino, 200 hotel rooms, a spa, movie theater and 1,500 parking spaces.

Whittemore plans to sell the land, which he owns in private partnership with one of Peppermill's owners, to the company. He said he would retain a 10 to 20 percent interest in the operations, which would be donated to the University of Nevada, Reno.

"All the proceeds will go to UNR," Whittemore said.

Many nearby residents have spoken against the project, and nearby John Ascuaga's Nugget hotel-casino funded a Web site opposing it.

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Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, http://www.rgj.com