Debate Over Proposed Richmond Casino Continues
RICHMOND, Calif. (KCBS) _ The future of a proposed $1 billion hotel-casino resort on the Richmond waterfront could hinge on two statements in an advisory measure.
A Contra Costa judge has denied a petition that would have prevented opponents of the proposed project at Point Molate from using specific language about jobs and wages in the Measure U pamphlet that Richmond voters will be given before the November election.
Critic Andres Soto said many are questioning the number of jobs this project is supposed to create.
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"The jobs for so-called Richmond and county residents are not guaranteed," he said. "And this is another false promise."
The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians and Upstream Investments is behind the hotel-casino resort proposal.
Developer Jim Levine disagrees with critics of the project, saying negotiated agreements with the city of Richmond will create jobs.
"It will provide for 40 percent local hiring and for adherence to the living wage ordinance," said Levine. "So to say that there's no local jobs and low-paying jobs is just flat out false."
In the end, Judge Barry Baskin said both sides overstated the facts, but not to the point of being misleading.
Measure U, an advisory measure will ask voters whether a casino should be built.
