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Impact of proposed casino worries planning group
By Onell R. Soto
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
September 29, 2007
ALPINE – While plans for a proposed $800 million casino resort on the Viejas Indian Reservation are still being worked out, members of a neighboring advisory group say they are worried about its impact on water and traffic.
A top Viejas official said the tribe will work to lessen the effects of its megacasino, possibly by bringing in water from outside the region and by building its own ramp to Interstate 8 to alleviate congestion.
The tribe announced a month ago that it plans to build a 600-room hotel, a 2,500-slot casino, a multiplex theater and other amenities in a resort next to its existing 2,500-slot casino.
Officials said this week that the resort, set to open in 2012, might also get a wave pool with a beach.
Members of the Alpine Planning Group questioned Viejas Enterprises Chief Executive Officer Lyn Baxter about the proposed resort on Thursday night.
“Water is fundamental,” said Mark Price, chairman of the group, which advises county officials on land-use decisions.
“The wells are kind of dropping in the area now,” said Chuck Taylor, another member of the group.
Baxter said the tribe is looking at bringing water from Northern California, but even if that effort doesn't work out, a recent study of the aquifer beneath the reservation should allay those fears.
“There's enough water there to do a resort that's twice the size than we currently have planned,” he said.
Nonetheless, Baxter said he “couldn't guarantee” that people who rely on well water won't have problems.
Lou Russo, another member of the planning group, said he was worried about traffic.
“Willows Road has turned into a deathtrap,” Russo said.
Baxter said the development's success depends on its ability to draw customers, and improving access will be key. The tribe is studying a freeway ramp, but it's too soon to say whether one will be built, he said.
Baxter was unable to answer many other questions about water and traffic plans. He said it's unclear what the resort will look like.
“There's a lot we still want to figure out,” Baxter said.
He said a third casino on the Viejas reservation “is a possibility” as well.
The Ewiiaapaayp (pronounced WEE-a-pye) Band has signed a deal with the state for a casino on the Viejas reservation, but federal officials, whose approval is needed, have said that they don't like the idea. |
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