RICHMOND, Calif. (KCBS) -- The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appear poised to reverse themselves and throw their support behind a new Indian casino in North Richmond after hearing both sides at their meeting Tuesday.
KCBS’ Bob Melrose Reports
Plans for the Indian casino at Point Molate include two hotels, a 240,000 square-foot gaming area, conference center, shops and homes. It would be on land sold to the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians.
At first the supervisors were against the idea, but after a three and a half hour hearing Tuesday, the tide may have turned.
Andrea Soto of the Coalition to Save Point Malote says that gaming is no way to bring jobs to a depressed community like Richmond.
”Gaming is a very ineffective form of economic development,” said Soto. “It actually creates a negative cash flow within the community.”
Supervisor John Gioia, who has changed his view, says the final decision is in the hands of the federal government.
”We’re trying to turn this into a benefit for the community,” said Gioia. “Ultimately the federal government gets to decide whether this project happens.”
The supervisors may vote next week, but the casino would be in the City of Richmond, and that city council has already voted in favor of it.
(MGO)