Richmond City Council Backs Pt. Molate Project

Posted by admin on May 26th, 2010
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By Post Staff

Supporters and opponents of the redevelopment project planned for the closed Point Molate Naval Fuel Depot packed Richmond City Council chambers on Tuesday night, ahead of a key decision on whether to extend the closing date on its contract to sell the former Navy Base to developer Upstream. The City Council voted 4-2 to grant the extension after lengthy public testimony and council discussion. The prior closing date was May 20, 2010, however the existing contract provided for an automatic extension of the agreement until mid-2011 in the face of the pending legal challenge to the Navy transfer.

The contract with Upstream provides for redevelopment of the base regardless of whether the ultimate plan is for a gaming or non-gaming project. That decision is primarily up to the federal government, who is reviewing the application materials submitted by Upstream’s partner, the Guidiville Tribe.

Despite a divided audience on the merits of the proposed tribal destination project, the council ultimately voted to extend the contract on the basis of legal analysis to protect the City from liability if it otherwise terminated the agreement. “Not extending the contract would open the city up to a potential lawsuit,” said Councilwoman Maria Viramontes, who was the swing vote. Viramontes was joined by Councilmembers Lopez, Rogers, and Bates, who made the original motion to place the item on the agenda. Councilmembers stressed the importance of honoring the existing agreement with Upstream, but also identified the economic, job development, environmental enhancement and revenue potentials for the City if the project were to be ultimately approved.

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