(Second in a series)

St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis’ plan to explore the possibilities of an entertainment district and riverboat casino along the lakeshore in Slidell has drawn a mixed bag of reactions around the area.

Davis has stated that word of his plan was released “prematurely,” but that hasn’t stopped local residents from thinking long and hard about the matter. When the story first appeared several weeks ago, local news Web sites were flooded with comments. While most are generally opposed, others seem to feel the idea is harmless.

Rich Higgins, speaking at a local coffee shop recently, said he is not opposed to gambling in principle but feels the casino is not right for the community, and would vote accordingly should the idea come up for a vote.

“I just don’t think it’s right for our community,” said Higgins, a federal employee who lives in the Cross Gates area. “I would rather see some other type of business be established there.”

Mark Nelson, a Slidell accountant, said he enjoys gambling from time to time but agreed with Higgins that he would not want to see one established here.

“It just seems to cheapen the look of a place,” said Nelson. “The Gulf Coast used to be scenic and quaint, but now you drive down Highway 90, and it’s all glittery, high-rise condos.”

Kathy Lowrey, general manager of the Northshore Harbor Center, said she and the center’s board of commissioners have given the idea a lot of consideration. One of the problems the center has encountered over the years is lack of access to a full-service hotel. If such a facility is included in the district, that might mean more success for the center in terms of booking big-name acts or events.

“If it’s done like Mr. Davis has envisioned it, that would be beneficial to the center and the surrounding area,” said Lowrey. “We could partner with the casino in drawing concerts or other entertainment, maybe operate shuttles between the venues, and so on.”

The entertainment aspect has more appeal than the gambling for several in the community.

Pat Hamrick, a retired nurse, said while she is not a gambler, she would like to have the option of having quality live shows in the area.

“It depends on how they do it,” said Hamrick. “If it’s a classy operation it could be really good.”

Hamrick owns property with her daughter in Pass Christian, Miss. The town does not have any casinos, but Gulfport and Long Beach are just a short drive away.

She pointed out that residents in those towns pay much less in taxes because of the casinos, something residents here may want to consider.

Residents soundly defeated a gambling proposal when it came up for a vote about 10 years ago. The current idea, should it reach the ballot again, may face the same fate.