EDITOR:
I'm responding to the article in the July 4 edition about the zoning amendment requiring 100-room minimum for businesses with a gaming district overlay.
Ron Terrell of Sharkey's Casino states "we are not trying to stop anyone else from doing what's right." Well what's right is my right to equal opportunity to expand and compete with large casinos. Douglas County was put on the map by Sharkey's Casino, a restaurant known for its great prime rib and its variety of slot machines without any hotel rooms, which brought tourists to the area, just what I'm trying to do.
Terrell is wrong by saying other bars would be able to get their expanded gaming licenses if I get mine. I was approved by the Town of Gardnerville (5-0 vote), approved by the planning commission (4-1 vote), and also had verbal agreement by four of five county commissioners that they thought it was a good idea for a project and I should "go for it."
This was all before I committed $12,000 in county application fees and engineering costs. What or who changed their minds? Because my business is in an industrial area with no residential zoning nearby is the reason planning passed my application. The county has safeguards against casinos next to residential areas, that's why Dotty's Casino was denied previously.
If I get the proper zoning from Douglas County I will show these commissioners how to attract tourism, it starts with the locals. Word of mouth is every business' best advertising and when tourists visit the area the first thing they ask locals is "where do you go?" or "where's a good local place to go eat or play the slots?"
I've committed 15 years to Douglas County and have plans on many more years of doing business here, if given the chance. Sharkey's is currently for sale. What dedication to the community is that, when they will leave at the drop of a hat when the money comes in?
These large casino projects seem to be welcomed with open arms with promises of dedication to the community and helping small businesses, but where are they?
Has any ground been broken for these helpful projects? The county commissioners give them zoning variances to accommodate them. Where's the parking for the C.O.D. Casino project?
I hope the commissioners will be happy with dozens of 100-plus room large scale casinos and no small businesses which are the backbone of this county.
This is a bed and breakfast community. That's what I heard when I moved here in 1994. Large scale casinos belong in cities not towns. What's wrong with a great local family-style restaurant and casino that caters to locals which will bring visiting families and tourists to the area?
Greg Sayabalian
owner Hamdogs Restaurant
Gardnerville
