In Fresno County, California the federally recognized Table Mountain Rancheria has decided that their 31-year-old casino is due for an update. Nearly doubling the existing space, the tribe’s proposed project includes a 110,000 square foot gaming floor and a 14 story hotel. Located in Friant, a census-designated place (CDP) about 17 miles from Fresno, according to an environmental report the Table Mountain Rancheria are considering relocating their existing casino to a different location on their tribal trust lands just north of Millerton Road.
Described in detail within the Environmental Evaluation, in addition to the larger casino floor, the tribe would add a 151-room hotel and include a top-floor restaurant, spa and salon, fitness center, a kids activity center with child care and a conference center with six meeting rooms. Additional resort-like amenities include a new 1,500-seat special event center to be utilized for private events, monthly concerts and banquets. Construction would begin west of the existing casino by spring 2019, and feature a state-of-the-art ventilation system, have more of an open concept and be energy efficient. Completion of the new, larger casino is expected by 2021. Upon completion of the new facility, the old casino will be utilized for tribal offices.
Attorney and spokesman for the tribe, Dan Cass, communicated that although the existing casino was a popular gambling destination, the venue’s 8-foot ceilings and smoke from cigarettes were a source of complaints. According to Cass, the project’s environmental review has taken several years to be completed. Cass said, “We wanted to build something that will be able to sustain the tribal community for future generations.” He added that the tribe also “want to stay within the confines of our promise to keep this on our own land,” The Fresno Bee reports. The increased size of the new casino will result in more jobs, with the project adding 454 employment positions for 1,454 total workers. Comments from the public regarding the environmental review are reportedly being accepted until June 28. On that day from 6pm to 9pm, a public meeting will take place at the Ramada Inn in Fresno at 3224 E. Shaw Ave.
The newspaper reports that the amount of traffic from vehicles could be a concern for residents who live nearby. At present, Saturday is the casino’s busiest day, seeing some 3,795 cars daily. It is estimated that the proposed project will grow that number by nearly double to 7,755 vehicles daily. Currently, Table Mountain Casino features more than 2,000 slots, 40 table games, 10 smoke-free poker tables, a 700-seat bingo hall, three dining establishments, including a buffet. Located just across the street is the 140-acre Eagle Springs Golf & Country Club, which features a pro shop and café.
