Judge’s ruling lets Lazy 8 move forward in Sparks

RENO -- A judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to block a controversial settlement that allowed a neighborhood casino backed by developer Harvey Whittemore to move forward in Sparks.

Washoe County District Judge Jerome Polaha ruled Friday in favor of Peppermill Casinos and Whittemore's Red Hawk Land Co., which plan to build the Lazy 8 resort along the Pyramid Highway in Spanish Springs Valley.

The ruling went against John Ascuaga's Nugget hotel-casino and a group of citizens.

They maintain the settlement allowed the city of Sparks and developers to circumvent zoning regulations.

"This is a complete vindication of our position all along," said Lazy 8 spokesman Carlos Vasquez. 'It's a shame that the Whittemore family had to go through this. We are glad the right thing finally happened. We are excited about bringing this exciting project to the citizens of Sparks."

Stephen Peek, a lawyer for the Nugget and citizens, criticized the ruling.

"The process was manipulated to induce procedural technicalities and deny the citizens of Sparks a legal remedy," he told the Reno Gazette-Journal.