Because of continued residential opposition, the project's proposed location was changed to a vacant property at the nearby Craig Ranch Golf Course.
After a weak financial quarter, Station Casinos chose to sell the original site, where it still had the option to develop the project.
In October 1998, NevStar Gaming Corporation – the owner of the Mesquite Star Hotel and Casino in Mesquite, Nevada[1] – proposed NevStar 2000, a large entertainment complex that would include a 37,460 sq ft (3,480 m2) casino,[2][3] a 200-room all-suite[1] hotel, a 60-lane bowling alley, 20,000 sq ft (1,900 m2) of meeting space, and between 12 and 18 movie theaters.
[5] In October 1998, despite complaints from local residents, NevStar won unanimous approval from the North Las Vegas Planning Commission for a use permit for the $140 million project.
[1] In November 1998,[6][7] the North Las Vegas City Council denied a special-use permit for the NevStar 2000, after approximately 50 residents voiced their opinions on the project, with most of them opposed to it.
[6] NevStar Gaming filed a lawsuit in December 1998, requesting a reversal of the council's decision, with attorney Mel Close stating, "We feel it was an improper denial and that we met all the conditions of the North Las Vegas Planning Commission.
The Mediterranean-themed Craig Ranch Station would include a 69,000 sq ft (6,400 m2) casino, a five-story 200-room hotel, a movie theater,[3][13] and three restaurants.
There would be the potential in the future to add an additional 138,500 sq ft (12,870 m2) of gaming, restaurants, retail, meeting and entertainment space to the resort.
[20][21] The new location also received opposition from nearby residents, although the planning commission still approved the zoning change at Craig Ranch Golf Course.
[27] In February 2001, the city council voted unanimously to approve the golf course zoning change, turning the northwest corner of Commerce Street and Craig Road into a gaming district, allowing Station Casinos to proceed with the project.
[33] At the end of the month, the Gaming Policy Committee rejected plans for Craig Ranch Station, stating that the project would harm the quality of life for nearby residents.