Land for Cloverdale Rancheria tribe makes casino possible
Less than three years after the opening of the behemoth Graton Casino in Rohnert Park, another Sonoma County casino is on the horizon now that the Cloverdale Rancheria tribe appears to have a clear path to build a gaming facility.
The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs recognition of tribal lands, on April 29, is the most recent hurdle cleared by the Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians in their quest to build a casino.
The complex could include a gambling hall, restaurants, a hotel as large as 244 rooms, a convention center, an event center for concerts and plays, and a parking garage, according to a plan presented on the tribe’s website.
Vickey Macias, the only tribal member authorized to comment on the project, said regaining land is “beyond exciting, a new beginning” for the tribe.
A Cloverdale Rancheria statement expressed willingness to work with county and state officials, noting the tribe’s historic ties to the area and concern about any impacts on the community.
[...] that the tribe has its own land, it has a place to build, if it can find a development partner willing to help finance a casino resort.