South MS mayor working against city tenant’s potential casino, lawsuit says
A lawsuit alleges the Long Beach mayor is hindering a businessman's casino plans in favor of a Florida developer.Summary
Jim Parrish, through his company Long Beach Harbor Resort LLC, is suing Long Beach Mayor Tim Pierce, the city, and members of the Board of Aldermen, claiming the mayor is actively working to undermine his plans for a casino. Parrish asserts he has a valid lease on city harbor property extending until February 2030, while Pierce claims the lease is month-to-month and terminable. The dispute centers around the potential development of a landside casino, permissible after Hurricane Katrina, on property previously occupied by a Kmart and grocery store. Parrish alleges Pierce encouraged rivals, including a Florida developer, to pursue casino development using the land under Parrish’s lease. Previous attempts to develop a casino in Long Beach have failed, and the lawsuit seeks to enforce the 2010 lease and uncover the identities of five unnamed individuals allegedly interfering with Parrish’s plans. The outcome could determine whether Parrish can proceed with his casino project or if the city will pursue alternative development options.
(Source：Sunherald)