After Years Of Debate, Richmond Rejects Billion Dollar Casino
RICHMOND (KCBS/AP) – Richmond city officials have rejected an American Indian tribe's plans for a $1.7 billion casino and resort at Point Molate.
KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:
After discussing the proposal for six years, the City Council voted 5-2 on Tuesday night to stop further consideration of the plan, a decision that all but kills the project.
Councilmembers raised concerns about traffic congestion and the fact that federal officials have yet to approve the casino. The vote was not a surprise after a majority of city voters in November came out against city approval and elected councilmembers who shared their view.
"If you put a resort casino in this location it will transform the rest of Richmond in a way we don't want to be transformed," said Richmond resident Michael Parker.
Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin said the land can still be used, but she's not sure for what.
"Upstream, we'll have a period not to exceed 120 days, to negotiate a non-casino alternative," she said. "We're in that stage right now."
KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:
But Michael Derry, a spokesman for the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians, said a non-gaming alternative is not a viable option.
"Instead of having economic stimulus and thousands of jobs for people in Richmond, it's likely that property is just going to sit," he said.
Derry said there will be a meeting with advisors and tribal leaders to discuss the next course of action.
The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians had proposed a Las Vegas-style casino with a 1,100-room hotel, nightclubs, restaurants, a ferry terminal and housing for the tribe.
Supporters said the casino would bring much-needed jobs to the city.
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