Don Barden has delayed a hearing before the city planning commission on lighting, landscaping and other amenities at his $450 million North Shore casino because of last week's appeal by the Riverlife Task Force over the size of the casino's garage.

Ed Fasulo, general manager of the Majestic Star casino, said it didn't make sense to move forward with approval for site amenities, which include a riverfront promenade that will serve as an extension of the North Shore trail, with the appeal pending.

"Just the fact they've filed an appeal, that throws everything back into limbo," he said. "We didn't think it makes sense to get before the planning commission with this litigation hanging out there."

Riverlife filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court last week challenging last month's planning commission approval of the casino design, which includes the 3,800-space parking garage.

Mr. Fasulo said the delay in the hearing and approval for site amenities should not affect the timetable for the casino's opening, scheduled for May 1, 2009.