Despite a critical housing shortage and badly needed road repairs, the city of Biloxi sees an influx of casinos due to a change in state legislation.
Sensing a concern for safety in the aftermath of Katrina, the casinos petitioned with state legislators to allow them to build on land because it would be easier for casino employees and guests if the gambling floors were on land to evacuate if and when the next hurricane arrives. This new language is a drastic change to previous zoning requirements which stated that non-gambling elements such as hotel and restaurants may be on land but the casinos themselves had to be on barges.
Now, with Biloxi's new Master Plan, 18 to 20 casinos could emerge in 5 to 10 years, up from 2 in 2005. Why? In part, the casino operators have been helped by a post-Katrina federal tax credit that is designed to spur redevelopment. This tax credit is due to expire by the end 2008.
Despite the protests from religious conservatives, who say that Biloxi is just the beginning as the casinos push northward, the mayor of Biloxi is firmly committed to bringing in as many casinos as possible to compete with the likes of Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
FULL STORY: Casinos emerge as winners in wake of Katrina
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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