Biloxi denies Boyd Gaming's request

Published: Sep. 24, 2014 at 2:51 AM CDT|Updated: Sep. 24, 2014 at 9:54 AM CDT
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The decision to either deny or grant Boyd Gaming's most recent request was, for the most part,...
The decision to either deny or grant Boyd Gaming's most recent request was, for the most part, centered on the fate of one business; the Pawn Shop just outside the IP's front door. (Photo source: WLOX News)
Boyd Gaming requested that a portion of Anglada Street be vacated for parking lot...
Boyd Gaming requested that a portion of Anglada Street be vacated for parking lot construction. (Photo source: WLOX News)
Boyd Gaming requested that a portion of Fayard Street be vacated for parking lot construction....
Boyd Gaming requested that a portion of Fayard Street be vacated for parking lot construction. (Photo source: WLOX News)
Wayne Hengen, the attorney representing the owners of the pawn shop. (Photo source: WLOX News)
Wayne Hengen, the attorney representing the owners of the pawn shop. (Photo source: WLOX News)
Michael Cavanaugh, attorney representing Boyd Gaming. (Photo source: WLOX News)
Michael Cavanaugh, attorney representing Boyd Gaming. (Photo source: WLOX News)

It's been a back and forth battle between the City of Biloxi and Boyd Gaming concerning several small streets south of its casino, the IP.

Boyd has asked the city to vacate the streets in order to build a parking lot. So far, the gaming company hasn't had much luck.

City council members voted on Boyd Gaming's latest request, Tuesday. The answer may not have been what the casino was hoping for.

The decision to either deny or grant Boyd Gaming's most recent request was, for the most part, centered on the fate of one business; the Pawn Shop just outside the IP's front door.

Boyd Gaming requested that portions of Anglada and Fayard streets be vacated for a future construction project. But, Wayne Hengen, the attorney representing the owners of the shop, said that would kill the Pawn shop's business.

"They really wouldn't have anybody who could park at their store. Not even them, there's not enough room," said Hengen.

Attorney, Michael Cavanaugh, representing Boyd Gaming said the casino's plans include renovating the parking lots on the south side of Bayview Avenue.

He said the owners would have plenty of parking if the project were to go through.

"I don't understand why we're beating this dead horse when everything in the world improves his position," said Cavanaugh.

Most of the council agreed to deny the request.

"If you're going to close off that street then where are those people from the pawn shop going to park," asked Councilman, Felix Gines.

Gines argued that if Fayard and Anglada were vacated, people would park illegally on Bayview. He said this could lead to safety issues.

"I for one don't want to be responsible for that, and be a part of making that decision," said Gines.

Councilwoman, Dixie Newman, however, thinks that the improvements would make the area safer.

"It would be nice to see lighting, a nice parking lot, landscaping," said Newman during the meeting.

She voted against the resolution to deny the company's request. But, the measure still passed with a 5-1 vote, with Councilman Robert Deming abstaining.

Previous requests by Boyd Gaming have included the company's desire to vacate a portion of Reynoir Street.

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