Posted on Tue, Mar. 25, 2008

BILOXI -- City Hall should be packed today, when the Biloxi City Council takes on two big issues - RW Development's South Beach Resort & Casino and Bay Village, the first mixed-use development proposed in the city.

It will be the first reading of a proposal by RW Development to change the zoning of property on the old Biloxi strip to waterfront. That would allow the developer to ask the Mississippi Gaming Commission to declare the property north of U.S. 90 at Veterans Avenue a suitable casino site. The project also includes hotels, meeting space, retail and restaurants.

Today's second reading about Bay Village should bring a vote by the council. A dozen people at last week's council meeting said they are in favor of the Pass Road development and its mix of commercial and residential use. The Biloxi Planning Commission voted against the proposal after neighbors objected to the density of the development and the increase in traffic.

Among the other items on the busy agenda are the first reading of a zoning change for Bayside Harbor Condominiums on Brasher Road, the second reading of a city noise ordinance, and resolutions for the Jazz Club on Howard Avenue and a shelter for homeless families on Pine Grove Avenue.

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