Sparks Lawsuit Dismissed

[Thomas]

As reported by the Associated Press: "A judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to block a controversial settlement that allowed a neighborhood casino backed by developer Harvey Whittemore to move forward in Sparks.

"Washoe County District Judge Jerome Polaha ruled Friday in favor of Peppermill Casinos and Whittemore's Red Hawk Land Co., which plan to build the Lazy 8 resort along the Pyramid Highway in Spanish Springs Valley.

"The ruling went against John Ascuaga's Nugget hotel-casino and a group of citizens. They maintain the settlement allowed the city of Sparks and developers to circumvent zoning regulations.

"...The Sparks City Council voted against the Lazy 8 last August, leading developers to sue the city for $100 million. The city settled the lawsuit a week later by allowing Whittemore and Peppermill to continue with the project..."