| Facts About the Environmental Impact of Casino Development Damaging to our Bay The Parkway casino calls for the construction of a 225,000 square foot casino complex with 3,500 stall parking structure as well as surface parking. 85% of the 30-acre developmenrt would become impervious surfaces. The flat, marsh like lands have undisclosed contamination issues (former site of Color Spot Nursery which used fertilzer and chemicals for several decades.) The flat, marshlike land provides no natural adequate drainage. The land-locked site would need to drain into the San Francisco Bay or San Pablo Creek with a 36" outfall pipe and would pose significant risks to the surrounding community and bay ecosystems. Increased Traffic A project of this size will have a major impact on traffic flow on both Interstates 580 and 80, as well as, exceed the designed capacity for the Richmond Parkway and smaller city streets such as Parr Boulevard. The resulting congestion will dampen economic development and present an unfair hardship for area residents, workers and property owners. The Richmond Parkway is currently overcrowded during commute hours and fatal accidents have already occurred on the Parkway. This 30-acre megadevelopment will immediately generate more traffic itself than the potential development of all the other undeveloped or underdeveloped Richmond Parkway property combined. Land Use and Zoning Conflicts The site is designated H-1 (heavy industrial) and is surrounded by other industrial uses such as junkyards, manufacturing, and construction. The Contra Costa County General Plan notes that hundreds of acres of industrial land in the North Richmond area are expected to be developed into residential uses. Development of a casino would conflict with the adopted General Plan. It would conflict with numerous policies set forth in said plan, such as Policy 3-208...."With growth and development there needs to be a recognition of environmental, social and economic values which will work to minimize land use conflicts, to establish a reasonably pleasing setting and to protect natural resources that are irreplaceable." Archaelogical Resources Previous developments in the vacinity of the casino proposal have identified various locations on the banks of San Pablo Creek as Ohlone Indian burial grounds and sites with historical, cultural and archaeological significance. In fact, mummified Indian remains were found about 100 yards from the site approximately 10 years ago during the San Pablo Creek widening project. Economic Impact A recent study by the California Association of Counties found that, in eight California counties home to tribal casinos, the combined cost in road, public safety and other impacts was $200 million. These local governments received just $21.4 million from the tribes. Decrease in Property Value Near Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut: Typically, patrons coming to and leaving the casino only stop for gas. Casinos are usually full service establishments with entertainment, gift shops, and even convenience stores. Patrons can use credits they have earned from gambling to pay for merchandise, eliminating the need for them to stop in the local areas and allowing the casino goers more money to spend gambling. (Foxwoods Casino: Casino Impact on the Town of North Stonington, CT.) Local shoppers tend to avoid the high traffic area created around the casino, contributing to the decline in local business and economy. (Foxwoods Casino: Casino Impact on the Town of North Stonington, CT) Residential homes on main roads or alternate roads leading to casinos tend to decrease in value 10%. (Foxwoods Casino: Casino Impact on the Town of Stonington, CT) |