Shared-parking agreement for Fuji Park moves forward

The owner of the former Bodine's restaurant has offered the city a $1 million donation for upgrades to Fuji Park and the fairgrounds, which neighbor the property where he intends to build a casino.

The Carson City Board of Supervisors on Thursday will consider whether to accept the offer.

In exchange for the money, casino customers would be able to park vehicles on fairground property and the city would build a 250-space paved parking area for use by people going to the fairgrounds and casino, said Roger Moellendorf, the city's parks and recreation director.

"It'll be public parking," Moellendorf said. "People would even be able to park there and walk across the street to Costco."

It's expected a casino there would have enough parking spaces on its own property to pass muster with the city. The presumed developer, Michael Pegram, wants enough parking to ensure there is enough to accommodate customers during the busiest periods, Moellendorf said.

The site, acquired by developer Kevin Coleman last year, is in escrow for sale to Pegram. Coleman had been pursuing a similar parking agreement with the city but he signed no contracts.

The entire project, broken into five phases, is estimated to cost $5 million to $6 million. Fuji Park improvements are complete, and work on the urban fishing pond section of the project is expected to start early next year. Focus now is on the existing fairgrounds north of Clear Creek, and cost for this large portion is expected to be roughly $3 million.

Supervisors also will decide whether to approve a preliminary layout of the park and fairgrounds future design and whether to allow city staff to use $1 million in Question 18 funds to finance the improvements, Moellendorf said.

Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended the city approve the parking agreement plan last month.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

If you go

WHAT:

Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting

WHEN: 8:30 a.m.

Thursday

WHERE:

Sierra Room, Community Center, 851 E. William St.