By Rachel Lippmann
St. Louis – The St. Louis County Council has signed off on a measure that could allow the construction of a casino in unincorporated North County.
The rezoning of 367 acres near the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area was approved Tuesday by a 4-2 vote.
It is the first of several approvals needed for the entertainment complex to move forward. The biggest hurdle right now is the lack of a casino license, which had opponents like Michael Berg of the Sierra Club wondering why the Council was rushing to approve the rezoning before taking a look at the possible environmental impacts.
"The proposed casino would cause increased runoff and create more flooding in the area<" he said. "The golf course that's proposed right there by the river would increase pesticide and herbicide flows into the river and would also damage wild bird nesting grounds."
Councilman Mike O'Mara, who represents North County, would not comment after the meeting. Supporters say the complex would bring much-needed jobs to the area.
The rezoning still needs County Executive Charlie Dooley's signature.