State Supreme Court sides with developer in Long Beach regarding Tidelands lease

The State Supreme Court has sided with a casino developer over a dispute with the Secretary of State regarding a Tidelands lease.

The Supreme Court said in its decision that Long Beach Harbor Resort had a valid lease with the City of Long Beach and did not need to negotiate a separate Tidelands lease with the state.

The city signed a lease agreement in 2010 with Blue Ridge properties for property in the harbor for a restaurant and parking that would be part of the casino development.

The casino itself would be north of Highway 90 in what was the K-Mart property.

The proposed development received site approval from the Mississippi Gaming Commission in 2019.

The Supreme Court said in its decision, which was handed down today, that the lease it signed with Long Beach was in effect, approved by the state when the Secretary of State recognized the lease with the city.

Developer Jim Parrish said he’s pleased with the court’s decision, but has no other comment at this time.