New suits filed to protect casino building

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

RENO -- Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin has a message for the historic preservationists who continue to mount last-ditch legal efforts to block demolition of the Mapes Hotel: Get over it.

"It's time to move on," Griffin said.

But the National Trust for Historic Preservationists asked a Washoe County district judge again Thursday to issue another temporary restraining order to protect the Mapes.

At the same time, the Truckee Meadows Heritage Trust filed a new lawsuit in U.S. District Court alleging, among other things, that blowing up the Mapes will cause the release of toxic pollutants in violation of the federal Clean Air and Clean Water acts.

"I appreciate that some people have an emotional attachment to this building," Griffin said.

"But we have now reached a point where the will of the majority -- and the people's elected representatives -- is clear," he said.

Demolition work on the 52-year-old hotel-casino resumed late Wednesday just hours after the Nevada Supreme Court lifted the initial temporary stay protecting the brick building.

The high court still intends to consider the merits of that case, and the other lawsuits are continuing in Washoe District Court and U.S. District Court in Reno.

But city officials say they are sticking with original plans to blow up the Mapes on Jan. 30, Super Bowl Sunday.

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