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, a businessman, has filed a lawsuit against Long Beach Mayor Tim Pierce, the city, and members of the Board of Aldermen, claiming the mayor is actively working to undermine his company’s plans to develop a casino. Parrish’s company, Long Beach Harbor Resort LLC, asserts a valid long-term 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 for a landside casino development, permitted after Hurricane Katrina, on property previously occupied by a Kmart and grocery store. The lawsuit further alleges that Pierce encouraged five unnamed rivals and a Florida developer to pursue a competing casino project, potentially utilizing the land currently leased by Harbor Resort. Parrish fears the mayor’s actions could jeopardize his restaurant and lounge business located on the leased property.
(Source：Sunherald)