After receiving a unanimous recommendation from the Zoning Board on Oct. 4, Lakes Entertainment was given final approval by Vicksburg officials Monday to rezone its property.

The company, planning a $200 million casino-hotel project off of U.S. 61 South near Meadow Lane, wanted a more restrictive designation for the area.

While the existing zoning would allow a casino, the new zoning will eliminate any heavy industry wanting to locate nearby.

Representatives for Lakes Entertainment said they want a resort appearance in the area. Agriculture may continue in the riverside area.

The company already has site approval and approval of its site development plan from the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

City officials said they are pleased with the Lakes’ plans that include a 410-room hotel, seven restaurants and meeting rooms capable of accommodating 250 people.

&#8220There’s going to be 400 four-star rooms,” said Mayor Laurence Leyens. &#8220We’ve never had enough hotel rooms where a convention could book rooms.”

North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield said he supports the plan because of the number of jobs it will bring to the community.

&#8220I look at it from an economic standpoint,” Mayfield said. &#8220It’s going to bring a lot of jobs. Our job as elected officials is to build economic development. Overall, I think the project is going to do quite well.”

Larry Gregory, director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, said the company must go back to the state commission to receive approval to proceed with the development.

&#8220That is the final stage,” Gregory said. &#8220Once they get that they’re ready to build.”

He said in stage three the company must &#8220show us they have the financial fortitude to build the casino.”

After the casino receives final approval from the gaming commission it has to receive a permit from the city, local officials said.

&#8220I don’t foresee any problems,” Mayfield said. &#8220They’ve followed all the regulations. All indications I’ve received are they’ve done what was expected of them.”

Another casino, Pot of Gold, is seeking approval to build in Vicksburg. Gregory said Pot of Gold received site approval on July 15, but as of Oct. 5 had not submitted a site development plan for approval.

The Lakes development would be the city’s fifth casino.

The first casino in Vicksburg, the Isle of Capri, opened in 1993, followed in the same year by Harrah’s, which later became Horizon.

The other two, Ameristar and Rainbow, opened in 1994.