The public will get its first, and perhaps last, detailed look tonight at plans for a controversial slots casino at Arundel Mills when the developers take the first step toward winning county approval.

The "nuts and bolts" meeting is required by the county to provide the public with an overview of the tentatively named Maryland Live! a 4,750-slots and entertainment complex planned by Cordish Cos. of Baltimore.

It starts the county process that will take place over several months: detailed review of the design, parking, traffic and other aspects. The company hopes to start construction later this year and open in...