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Jamul Tribe Changes Casino Plans

JAMUL INDIAN RESERVATION, California – As reported by the San Diego Union Tribune: "The Jamul tribe's proposed high-rise casino and hotel is now planned to be built in two phases, the first of which will be less than half the height of the towering 30-story building once suggested, officials say.

"Tribal leaders are divulging new details about their proposal as they circulated notice today of an upcoming draft environmental report on the controversial project.

"The East County tribe intends to have a two-story casino atop a parking structure of eight to nine levels, about three of which would be underground, said Jamul tribal Chairman Leon Acebedo. An additional floor of administrative offices would top the casino for a total of 11 to 12 stories, Acebedo said.

"Not until after the casino is opened, in 2008 at the earliest, would construction begin on an adjacent 400-room hotel, Acebedo said. The height of the hotel remains undetermined, but it could be 20 floors or more, he said.

"None of this is likely to appease critics of the region's most fiercely contested Indian gaming project.

"…Critics object to the increased traffic the casino – to be just west of state Route 94 and south of Melody Road – would bring to Route 94, a two-lane highway that is the community's main artery. Many also contend the casino would threaten natural resources and ruin the small-town feel of Jamul, which considers itself rural despite its proximity to San Diego…"

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