Luck Runs Out On Proposed Richmond Casino Resort

RICHMOND (KCBS) - The future of a proposed $1 billion Indian casino on Richmond's waterfront was thrown into doubt after last Tuesday's election, when voters rejected Measure U, an advisory measure that sought to gauge public support for the project.

The project was dealt another blow when at least one newly elected Richmond City Council member indicated he intended to follow the will of the people with respect to the proposal.

KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:

"The citizens at this time have spoken," declared city councilman-elect Corky Booze. "And unless there's something new, you know I'm kind of following the lead of the people that elected me."

"A new City Council was elected, the majority of which has run on a commitment to oppose the casino," added councilman Tom Butt.

Fifty-seven percent of Richmond voters rejected the non-binding Measure U, which simply asked voters whether they supported building the Point Molate Casino on the Richmond waterfront.

Developer Jim Levine of Upstream Point Molate maintained that the defeat of Measure U wouldn't deter him from pursuing the project. The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians also released a statement after the election, promising residents there was much more to the project than casino-style gambling.

The tribe, however, had still not received federal or state approval for the gaming.

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