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Proposed Elk Grove Casino Draws Full Crowd For Public Discussion

ELK GROVE (CBS13) — An eyesore since its construction eight years ago could be getting a controversial makeover.

The Wilton Rancheria wants to build a resort and casino next to an Elk Grove mall.

It was standing-room only on Wednesday at a public discussion over whether Elk Grove is ready for a casino to move in next to its long-awaited mall project.

The high-profile piece of land is off of Highway 99, and was the site of a proposed regional mall that has sat vacant and unfinished for years.

The tribe unveiled renderings for the new casino and resort project that would occupy 36 acres of that land, sharing space with the proposed mall.

"I think it's exciting," said Bonnie Jones. "Bring jobs to Elk Grove."

A 12-story hotel, 302 hotel rooms, 2,000 gaming machines and a 30,000-square-foot area for meetings and concerts make up the proposed space.

Tribal chairman Raymond Hitchcock says Elk Grove is better than previously examined spots in Galt and Wilton because of its existing infrastructure.

"The overcrossing is done, lanes are widened, waste and water connections are already on site, it's a no brainer," he said.

Some residents have real concerns about the impacts of a large casino, including noise, traffic, pollution and crime.

The project would create more than 2,000 full-time jobs, not including construction jobs. Chamber of commerce president David Herburger says the economic benefits outweigh the bad.

"It's a great opportunity; really looking forward to see something happen there," he said.

Under federal law, the tribe not required to pay property, hotel or sales taxes, but they are committed to paying Elk Grove for the cost of city services, like police, fire and others.

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