Deal Weighs in on DeKalb Commission, Gaming 'Barcade'

Turmoil continues around a proposed gaming resort in South DeKalb County with Gov. Nathan Deal saying he can’t appoint a commissioner who might reverse zoning for the project, and the county attorney ruling the zoning change invalid.

A proposed resort on Covington Highway in South DeKalb would transform empty condos into rental villas for guests who gamble at Panola Slope, but critics say it flouts Georgia’s ban on casinos.

The gambling venture approved by the DeKalb County Commission in December, and now in question, would offer visitors three restaurants, an outdoor entertainment venue, meeting spaces and shopping, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Prizes won at an estimated 400 video games would be given as vouchers to be used for dinners or on-site lodging.

An opinion by the DeKalb County attorney Wednesday said the December zoning change was invalid because county ordinance requires approval by a member of the Commission representing that district, or an at-large commissioner, reports WSB. At-large commission Stan Watson can’t vote on the project because he is being paid by the Panola Slope developer.

See also: ‘Barcade’ Would Bring 425 Gaming Machines to DeKalb

A governor’s spokesman told WSB TV on Thursday that Deal cannot appoint someone to fill the District 5 commission seat, which DeKalb CEO Lee May had asked to be filled this week. Filling the seat – empty since May took over the CEO job following the indictment of Burrell Ellis nearly two years ago – gives that person the power to reverse the zoning change needed for the gaming project.

And the governor told WSB he doesn’t favor the proposed venue. “I am not in the mood for having anything that is a casino or even comes close to resembling a casino,” Deal said.

May and several commissioners have said they did not know the development plan included up to 425 video gambling machines when zoning was changed for the project.

Georgia is one of 10 states without a casino, but state law also allows cash-operated gaming machines that give prizes to be redeemed on the premises, the AJC says.

Panola Slope developer Vaughn Irons, who is chairman of the DeKalb Development Authority and co-chairs interim CEO Lee May’s Operations Task Force, is trying to turn around the failing development, reports CrossRoads News. The site has 23 condominiums and ground-level retail space in five two-story buildings.

WSB TV reports Irons and partner Red Alligator LLC -- incorporated under the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana – won rezoning of the property from mixed use to commercial to convert it into a luxury resort and indoor amusement center for adult patrons. Vaughn also has applied for a special land use permit so Panola Slope can stay open around the clock and serve alcohol until 2 a.m.

Irons described the venture to WSB TV as a “barcade” concept for adults that will create 130 jobs and bring more than $46 million in economic impact in the first year.

County Attorney O.V. Brantley told the county commission it should recognize the zoning as invalid and send the zoning application back to the commission to act on, reports AJC.com.

»Screenshot of proposed gaming resort at Panola Slope, plus existing housing, from WSB TV