POMONA : City’s Neighbors File Suit Challenging Casino Plans
Fear of crime, traffic and noise from proposed card clubs in Pomona prompted four neighboring cities and a local citizens group to file a suit against the city.
The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by the cities of La Verne, Claremont, Chino and Chino Hills and the Committee Against Card Club Casinos in Pomona, alleges that Pomona violated state law when it approved business licenses and zoning ordinances for the casinos.
The court action attempts to force Pomona to conduct a full environmental impact report and put the casino proposal up for a vote by residents before proceeding.
La Verne City Manager Martin Lomeli said that before filing suit, the cities sent at least 12 letters expressing their concerns, which Pomona never answered.
Pomona City Atty. Arnold Alvarez-Glasman said that the city has attempted to address the worries of its neighbors, and contends that the city is within its legal rights in approving the casinos.
Two groups have proposed building casinos in Pomona. The city has not approved them but has taken the first procedural steps toward making that possible.
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