Hillbilly casino may trade Douglas for Sparks

When describing why he wanted a big oil derrick in front of his casino, Max Baer Jr. pointed out that you can't sell a steak without the sizzle. At the time he didn't mention Sparks.

But, without sewer, water, electricity or roads, there won't be a Beverly Hillbillies Mansion & Casino in Douglas County, according to a spokesman for former television actor.

News that Baer is exploring the purchase of the Silver Club Casino in Sparks was reported last week.

"We've definitely not given up on the Douglas County situation," Don Smit said Thursday. "But when Max became involved with the center at Topsy, he took a back lot position. He's 1,100 feet from the highway. If the retail center doesn't come in bringing all the infrastructure, there's no way Max can move forward."

Work on the Riverwood shopping center, located southeast of Topsy Lane and Highway 395, stalled the first week of January.

Smit said the casino developers own the property, but frustration with the project has Baer looking for other options.

"We own the property free and clear," Smit said. "But we're between a rock and a hard place. Topsy Lane is eight feet lower than it will be. Without the improvements the casino won't be a success or a possibility."

Holder Hospitality, which owns Sharkey's in Gardnerville, closed the Silver Club in January.

Sharkey's manager and Holder Controller Ron Terrell said Baer has been exploring the possibility of buying the Silver Club for some time.

"He's been checking it out," Terrell said. "Basically asking around town if he would be able to do the oil derrick. He knows the casino is available, and it would be a good deal for him."

Terrell said the Silver Club's gaming license is still active. He estimated purchasing the casino and getting it back in operation would cost less than $9 million, subject to negotiations.

"It would be a good fit for him," Terrell said. "He could get it open and running very quickly. It's got an enormous amount of room. He could do the museum. I hope the City of Sparks will work with him on it."

Meanwhile, the prospect of losing the casino is agitating the property's last neighbors.

Chris Malavazos who owns a home 300 feet from where the oil derrick is proposed said residents had to complain to the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection about dust from the project.

Lyla Lane resident Jerry Vaccaro said a polymer spread on the site kept the dust down, but that it is now breaking down and dust from the project is beginning to rise again, this time mingled with the polymer.

Both men are concerned the dust mingled with polymer could pose a health hazard.

Paving Lyla Lane reduced some of the dust, but increased the traffic on the road, Malavazos said.

"It's really destroyed the quality of life for the neighbors," he said.

And if the dust wasn't enough, Malavazos said plastic bags from the Clear Creek Plaza are blowing across the highway.

On Thursday, Douglas County commissioners approved an agreement for a temporary easement on Topsy Lane so they can expand northbound Highway 395 to three lanes from Clear Creek to Sunridge Drive.

Malavazos said the easement brings the road up to his doorstep.

"We were never notified," he said. "If they take 45 feet, the edge of the roadway is on my property. Unless they make a big jog, they'll bring that easement to my front door."

The Nevada Department of Transportation is using stimulus money to expand the highway, something Vaccaro said should be required of the developer.

In 2006, Douglas County commissioners approved a $24.7 million redevelopment deal for a 4.7-acre portion that required developers to build 30,000 square feet of commercial retail space. The only requirement for continued participation in the agreement was that the developer begin work by the end of 2009. Grading began on the property late last fall, meeting the deadline.

In March, county commissioners were told that the developer was under no obligation to inform them of the project's progress under the agreement.