NOCO ~ The online magazine of North St. Louis County

Council votes tomorrow on NoCo casino

admin | Nov 02, 2009 | Comments 2

The new visitor center at Columbia Bottom, part of $25 million already invested in conservation of the area

The new visitor center at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, part of $25 million already invested in one of NoCo's most exceptional natural areas

I wrote about the proposed Riverview Casino a few weeks ago, and how I and many others believe it’s a bad idea for North County. Well, it all comes down to Tuesday night, when the St. Louis County Council votes on whether to approve the casino’s zoning amendments.

In recent years, both the state of Missouri and a handful of nonprofits have invested more than $25 million in the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, believing it’s a unique natural treasure and a potential economic driver for North County. Considered one of the most significant migratory bird corridors in the entire country (especially for Bald Eagles), Columbia Bottom boasts gorgeous scenery, hiking and biking trails, abundant wildlife, and a front-row seat to the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

columbia bottom

Many people think that it can make NoCo a destination for eco-tourism, and I agree. But not if we ruin the place with a big, bloated casino. Plans for the Riverview Casino call for 376 acres of development, including a hotel, convention center, and 8,000 parking spaces…all directly adjacent to Columbia Bottom. And did I mention that the site currently has no sewer or stormwater service, meaning taxpayers would have to foot at least a portion of the bill if this development proceeds?

Currently we have SIX casinos in the metro area, but only ONE natural wonder like Columbia Bottom. Please voice your opposition to this unnecessary and harmful development by contacting the County Council today: (314) 615-5000.