Jethro Bodine's "Beverly Hillbillies" Mansion & Casino came one step closer to reality Thursday, when a zoning map amendment and gaming district overlay were approved by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.
The vote was 3-2, with commissioners Doug Johnson and David Brady casting the two dissenting votes.
"If it were just a casino I wouldn't be for it, but it's so much more than that," said Commissioner Jim Baushke. "If it comes to fruition, it will include a conference center, hotel and retail space. If he (developer Max Baer) can fill those conference rooms, it will mean a lot of revenue for a lot of people.
"We can argue the numbers all day long but the basic thing, if it's built as proposed, it will be better for Douglas County than pure retail space," he said.
Johnson said he has never disagreed more with the board than he does now. There are numerous unrestricted gaming overlays in Douglas County where casinos have never been developed, but once approved, the zoning is permanent.
"If the casino does succeed, we don't know what it will do for us financially," he said. "If it's a huge success, get ready for more."
Plans for the casino project include a 40,000-square-foot gaming area with 800 slot machines and 16 tables, a showroom, restaurants, cinema complex and two five-story, 240-room hotel towers.
Baer still needs a variance for his proposed oil derrick and readerboard.
Commissioner Kelly Kite said the project was not his first choice, but the zoning was planned eight years ago.
"I see no reason to make a change," he said.
Lyla Lane resident Jerry Vaccaro said the project was pushed through too quickly and there are a lot of unanswered questions. He said it doesn't enhance the quality of life for Douglas County residents.
"They can say they will be successful, but there's no guarantee," he said. "We've already given Riverwood (developers) $24.7 million in redevelopment funds because they say a lot of dirt needs to be moved and the site doesn't accomodate what they are proposing.
"We gave $24.7 million in redevelopment funds because they have to move tons of dirt."
Discussions concerning an appeal over a proposed 200-foot oil derrick, sign area and the number of sign faces agendized for the proposed casino were continued to Dec. 6.
-- Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.
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