Supervisors meet Thursday on Bar-One fairground lease

The $39 million, 168,000-square-foot events center would include nearly 20,000 square feet for gambling, which has upset Carson City casino executives.

There are other concerns about Indian gambling, as a result of Bar-One's partnership between Bar-One and Northstar Gaming, a casino development company that has talked with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and worked with Indian casinos in the past.

Northstar Gaming President John Allan and state officials have confirmed that the Washoe Tribe, which has land near the fairgrounds, is looking into the possibility of getting a Nevada gambling license.

Bar-One's business plan shows the center will include between 200 and 800 slot machines. Supervisors and members of Carson's gambling community last week questioned the high numbers, although Carrie Barone, vice president of Bar-One, said the information has been available to supervisors for more than a year.

Barone added she approached local casino officials with the project several years ago when she was seeking financial backing, but none agreed to support the center.

Bar-One still has to obtain a signed lease, lenders and apply for a gambling license and a special-use permit.

Ward 1 Supervisor Greg Smith, who is up for re-election, has said the gambling aspect of the lease has made him reverse his earlier support of the project.

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