'Monster' Casino Planned in Rohnert Park

By Robert Carlsen

ROHNERT PARK -- The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria is completing an environmental impact report for its 760,000-sq.-ft. casino/hotel/resort in an undeveloped 360-acre site west of town.

Environmental study issues include wastewater disposal, groundwater depletion, winter flooding problems, traffic along Highway 101 and endangered species (the tiger salamander).

The controversial project, which was first proposed to be located off Highway 37 near the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma County, will feature approximately 2,000 slot machines, 120 gaming tables, five restaurants, three cocktail lounges, 6,400 parking spaces (including a 2,000-car garage), a 300-room hotel and a 1,500-seat performing arts center.

The resort will be the largest in Northern California and will rival even some Las Vegas properties in size and scope. The state's biggest Native American casinos are located in the San Diego area: The Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, for example, is 1 million sq. ft., including a 522-room hotel.

The Graton tribe's partner in the project is Station Casinos of Las Vegas, which operates 10 properties there and also the Thunder Valley Casino, a tribal property located northeast of Sacramento.

Proponents say the project will be a boon for tourism to the area, also adding 2,200 jobs. But the project has its critics, who say they are worried about crime, traffic jams and other environmental issues. The controversy over building the project led to unsuccessful recall attempts of two Rohnert Park city council members who supported a $200 million revenue-sharing agreement with the Graton tribe.

"This is a monster, no question," said Jake Mackenzie, a Rohnert Park councilman.

The project is undergoing a federal environmental review to determine whether the resort can be as large as proposed or if the tribe needs to scale it down. Because of the sovereign status of Indian tribes, however, the resort is not subject to the same local and state laws as other construction projects. The site is designated as open space in the county general plan.

The National Indian Gaming Commission plans to finish the Graton environmental study by mid- to late-2005. Construction would begin in 2006 with completion scheduled for 2007.