Proposed Indian Casino Near Galt Drawing Criticism From Residents
GALT (CBS13) — A Sacramento County tribe wants to built a lavish casino, but people who live in Galt say they're concerned about everything from noise to what it would mean for the city's lifestyle.
The proposed casino on Highway 99 north of Twin Cities Road is still in the very early stages, but many in the community say they don't want to take a gamble.
The promises of jobs, housing and revenue are a big selling point for the Las Vegas-style Indian casino and hotel. But for many locals, the potential economic boost comes with a psychological blow and worries over drugs, gangs and crime.
Al Baldwin wants his longtime city of Galt to stay sleepy and family friendly. He worries the nearly 300-acre field off of Highway 99 will turn into a gamblers' paradise that's not a fit for the community.
"You know what would be great in Galt? A hospital," he said. "This thing is not a hospital. It's more of like a heart attack."
But for Galt High graduate and rancheria worker Melissa Leal, it's about more than slot machines and table games; it's a smart solution for future generations.
"My job is to help them be successful in the classroom, that requires revenue resources," she said.
Tribal chairman Raymond Hitchcock says the Wilton Rancheria tribe has been in talks with city and county officials for a while to snatch the prime freeway location, but the plan must first clear on the federal level.
"The proposal of a casino resort is controversial. so the Bureau of Indian Affairs wants to take a slow process and make sure they study all the environmental issues very thoroughly," he said.
If it's approved, the project likely won't break ground until 2020.
