The Jamul Indian Village has been working for many years to develop a gaming facility on our federal tribal trust land. This effort has not been without controversy. We are now creating a new vision for our gaming project, taking into account the concerns of our neighbors and the County of San Diego. Our newly designed project will create jobs for our neighbors, allow the tribe to become self-sufficient, and enable us to share gaming revenue with local governments and charities. We believe this can be achieved while respecting the environment and our neighbors' concerns.

Some of the most important changes in our project's design speak to its most pointed criticism. The total size of our gaming project has been cut by more than half from our proposal in 2006 - and this includes eliminating a proposed hotel. Building height of the gaming facility will now be reduced to 45 feet above grade as seen from Highway 94. This allows us to strategically use the contours of our land to provide parking below street level and outside the line of sight. These critical changes reduce the overall footprint of our project and, as a result, the oak and willow-studded stream traversing our reservation will be maintained in its natural condition.

The visual impact of our facility will be largely mitigated by its careful design. The earth-tone colors and natural materials of the exterior reduce the project's visual impact by matching it to the background of the surrounding area. We will adhere to the county's dark sky and sign ordinances. We will use native plants and the natural terrain to further limit views from roadways. This will not be a glitzy Las Vegas-style gaming facility with lights and signs. The project will be subject to a vigorous environmental process meeting state and federal standards.

 http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/mar/17/a-new-vision-for-the-jamul-casino-project/ 

Agenda Item #6 - March 13, 2012

Jamul Indian Village Casino Update - Steve Davis, Project Manager - Michael Casinelli stated there would be a public information meeting on April 5 at Cottonwood Golf Course from 4 - 8 p.m. at which there will be stations for information and court reporters to record our comments.

Steve Davis, stated that Lakes Gaming Entertainment has withdrawn as the financing source for the Jamul Indian Village. Notice was sent to 200 stakeholders announcing the meeting on April 5 at Cottonwood. The Draft Tribal EE is to address off-reservation environmental effects associated with the Proposed Project. There will be three alternatives of the project. The 45-day public review period begins March 15 and closes on April 30th. We can go online to comment or send them into the JIV or at the Public meeting listed above.

Steve Davis gave an overview of the project showing a map of the proposed project. They plan a tiered structure in three phases. The first is located approximately 100 feet from SR 94 and is exposed about 8 foot above grade and at 450 feet from SR 94 - it goes to three stories and ends up at 36' above grade, and the final portion is 45' above grade, with parking lot below this part. Outside of the drip line is a 10-story parking structure, which would mean the highest point is 25 feet less than the casino. Alternative I is 1019 sq feet and goes from 1 - 2 - 3 story structure without a parking structure. Alternative II is the smallest proposal and is one story with mezzanine structure eating facility overlooking the valley. This alternative also has no parking structure. 

Read the rest here: http://jacjamul.com/

UT Article - March 14, 2012

JAMUL - Taking a fresh run at a sensitive issue, the Jamul Indians on Wednesday unveiled retooled plans for a casino that would include a three-story gaming hall and a 10-level parking garage.

It would employ 1,600 people and includes design elements, such as partially underground structures, aimed at easing community concerns. The tribe has also dropped plans for a hotel.

But many nearby residents consider the project a non-starter, arguing the 228,000-square-foot casino - like other, bigger versions floated by the tribe over the years - doesn't belong in their rural community.

"It's still Jamul. It's still a sleepy, little Mayberry of 2,900 households," said resident Dana Blasi.

Critics worry a casino would overwhelm Jamul, and its single, two-lane highway, state Route 94. The project would rise on the six-acre Jamul Indian Village reservation, near Melody Road.

Architect Steve Davis, who was hired by the tribe to shepherd the project, acknowledged there is cynicism over the idea, but hopes the community can size up the newest plan with an open mind.

"We're working very hard to extend our hand to the community ... and to look for areas of compromise," he said.

Read the rest here: http://jacjamul.com/

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