SEARCH NEWS:

 

Temporary Casino Construction Begins in California

"Four million people live within a two-hour drive of the River Rock Casino intended to draw from the San Francisco area market, the casino's developers have estimated.

"Neighbors object that the location is inappropriate, while gambling opponents say it's too close to the Bay Area, 75 miles to the south. Nearby property owners have sued, as has a former development partner.

"Still, preliminary construction has already started, said Liz Elgin DeRouen, chairwoman of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians. That includes roads, a wastewater treatment plant and holding tank, and concrete pads for 22 houses for rancheria residents who have been temporarily displaced during construction.

"…While the tribe is licensed for 1,600 slot machines, she said, all may not be installed, and the tribe plans to offer fewer table games.

"…Gambling opponent Cheryl Schmit of Stand Up for California asked federal officials to intervene last week. Alexander Valley Association attorney Dennis Whittlesey in March made the same arguments to state and federal officials without success.

"…The plan faces several legal hurdles, however, over an access road, plans to build over a free-running creek, and from a former developer who had an earlier agreement with the tribe. Tribal leaders have said they dropped Las Vegas gaming promoter Mark Advent and his partners because the investors didn't provide the funding they promised.

"…Houston-based Nevada Gold and Casinos Inc. is the majority stakeholder among investors who jointly own 51 percent of Dry Creek Casino LLC, while the tribe owns the minority share. Other investors include Jenkins Entertainment Group, Wintun Lodge and Pathways Consulting, which described themselves as gaming operators, architects, land planners and engineers.

"…The Alexander Valley Association has filed notice it plans to sue, alleging the tribe and developer have not obtained proper environmental clearances, said association president Karen Passalacqua. It's considering a suit over the land's legal status as a reservation, she said…"

< Gaming News