Agreement reached for Pt. Molate development

Updated at 01:29 PM today

Vic Lee
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RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) -- The Guidiville Tribe reached an agreement today with local environmental groups in its proposed development of a $ 1 billion Las Vegas style resort and casino at Pt. Molate alaong the Richmond shoreline.
The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed by Citizens for East Shore Parks (CESP) and other green groups. It includes $35 million for shoreland acquisition, habitat restoration and funding to protect native wildlife populations.
The massive development includes building 1,100 hotel rooms, a 4,000 slot machine casino and retail malls on a former Navy supply depot. The project has run into opposition from citizen groups who say it would attract society's ills, such as gambling, addiction and crime.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., voiced her opposition to the project, saying "it's wrong for the East Bay shoreline environment and sets the wrong precedent for our state when it comes to off reservation gaming casinos."
The project received support from organized labor groups like the Construction and Building Council which say the casino resort may create 17,000 jobs.
A vocal opponent is Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin who says there are no guarantees the jobs are there since casinos all over the country are hurting due to the economic downturn. The Mayor and opposition groups want "a more healthy" choice for developing the shoreline.
The project still needs approval from the Richmond City Council as well as the federal government.
A local Measure U on the November 2 ballot asks citizens whether they're in support of the development. However, it is a non binding referendum.
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