Tisdale Lone "No" as Biloxi Clears Black Marlin Casino Rezoning
The Biloxi City Council on Tuesday approved a rezoning and planned-development overlay for the Black Marlin casino and hotel on Beach Boulevard, clearing the way for the nearly 300-room project.
The vote was 5-1. Council President Tisdale cast the lone vote against.
Councilman Gray made the motion, and Councilman Glavin seconded it. Glavin told colleagues the project "represents a substantial and forward-looking opportunity for the economic health, infrastructure, and long-term vitality of the city of Biloxi."
Tisdale told colleagues he was concerned the development's added population density near the flight path of Keesler Air Force Base could hurt the base in a future round of military base closures.
"If these squadrons leave, Keesler closes. It's that simple," Tisdale said. "For all these reasons, I oppose the rezoning and development of these properties as a gaming site."
The council attached conditions to its approval. The hotel is capped at 79 feet, no trees may be removed until 10 days before construction mobilization, and the developer must follow the city's tree-mitigation ordinance.
The project is proposed by RW Development and Premier Gaming Group. The Biloxi Planning Commission unanimously approved the master plan and zoning change on Sept. 3, along with the removal of 28 protected trees — including 25 live oaks — according to WLOX.