The latest proposed casino complex for Vicksburg will not get a vote of approval from Mayor Laurence Leyens unless development plans are changed, the mayor said Tuesday.

Leyens’ comments come despite the release this week of more detailed site plans for the proposed casino/hotel complex, Pot of Gold, being developed by Magnolia Hill Resort.

&#8220They don’t have my support,” Leyens said Tuesday. &#8220I don’t know about the aldermen.”

South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman gave no indication of his level of support for the project.

&#8220I won’t make any decisions until the hearing. I know the issue is the parking, but I want to hear both sides,” Beauman said.

North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield could not be reached.

Magnolia Hill Resort and Pot of Gold cleared the lay Vicksburg Board of Zoning Appeals two weeks ago with a 3-2 vote giving conditional approval for its $48 million casino, hotel and restaurant complex.

But zoning approval for the project, planned for a shelf of land fronting the Mississippi River immediately north of the Rainbow development, faces an appeal to the full city board by residents whose homes overlook the property.

Leyens said Magnolia is trying to do the least expensive project it can, investing less than previous developers – Harrah’s (now Horizon), the Isle of Capri and Ameristar – and the pending Lakes Gaming project to cost $280 million.

Leyens also said he agrees with what area residents have said about condensing or relocating parking lots that extend well to the north of the project’s buildings.

That hearing has been set for Dec. 5.

&#8220They have alternatives,” Leyens said, adding that changes will have to be made to gain his approval.

John Barrett, former owner of a refinery in the area and an partner when Rainbow was developed in 1994, said the new project has a lot to offer.

&#8220I believe this will fit in well with the Vicksburg market,” Barrett said, adding it will be unique in the area and also unlike any other casino development he is aware of in the country.

In addition to providing between 400 and 500 permanent jobs, the development will have a resort atmosphere. The riverside park concept is unique to the Vicksburg area, Barrett said, and will feature a glass-walled restaurant with seating for up to 250 people in addition to an observation pavilion that will be open to the public.

Also planned is a softly illuminated River Walk boardwalk. Designers have planned for minimal environmental impact, Barrett said, and Magnolia Hill is working with a national conservation organization to develop plans landscaping to foster bird life at the site. Telescopes and visual aids will be provided to enhance visitors’ observation of animal life and river shipping. The four-story hotel above the casino is also designed to encourage visitors who want unique views of the river, Barrett said.

Barrett said the homeowners’ objections have been addressed as completely as possible.

&#8220This is all about their view of the river, but the project won’t change the view,” Barrett said.

Magnolia Resort and Pot of Gold would be the sixth casino-centered development in Vicksburg since 1993. Most regulatory hurdles, including city approval, have been cleared by Lakes for a $280 million casino-hotel project farther south off U.S. 61 South adjacent to Meadow Lane.

Magnolia Resort has cleared the first of three hurdles with the Mississippi Gaming Commission, with approval of the site on July 15, said Larry Gregory, executive director of the state panel.

Magnolia has until Jan. 14 to present its development plan for state approval and until July 15, 2007, to have all of its financing in order and apply for the approval to proceed, Gregory said.

Lakes received site approval in February. Construction is to begin in the spring with a May 2007 opening.

Barrett said Magnolia Hills and Pot of Gold plan an opening about 8 months from the start of construction.