JAMUL TRAFFIC IMPROVES AFTER CASINO OPENING, BUT SOME PROBLEMS REMAIN

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By Miriam Raftery

Photos courtesy of  E.  Rullet and Deerhorn Valley Antler

October 13, 2016 (Jamul)—Monday’s grand opening of the Hollywood Casino in Jamul caused traffic backups of several hours.  On Tuesday,  residents report delays were reduced to 15-30 minutes for those seeking to run errands in the rural town of Jamul,  still a hassle for residents who long opposed the casino. Illegal parking along State Route 94 and side roads continue to pose problems, though authorities have begun ticketing vehicles.

Parents have voiced concerns over safety of students at Steele Canyon High School’s homecoming football game and dance this weekend, the first weekend the casino will be in operation.  The traffic and parking issues could also negatively  impact JamulFest Sunday, where Lyons Valley Road closes for a parade and parking is tight even in prior years.

Casino manager Richard St. Jean issued this statement.  "High traffic volumes are common with grand openings and typically subside shortly thereafter. We understand the frustrations of local residents and appreciate their patience during opening week. We are in frequent communication with California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and our traffic control partners. We will continue to fund and support traffic control measures, as deemed by CHP, until the congestion is mitigated.”

He added,” Furthermore, Jamul Indian Village has agreed to contribute more than $23 million to roadway improvements along State Route 94. This work has already begun, including a dedicated turn lane directly in front of the property for the safety of the community and our guests.”

Opponents have argued that the casino at the Jamul Indian Village should not have been allowed to open without all roadway improvements completed,  not just the stretch in front of the casino.  Litigation is on going including a suit challenging CalTrans approval.

The casino continued to do a brisk business on day two.  “At 6 a.m. there was a highway sign in Rancho San Diego stating that the parking lot was full, “Tim Scherer told  ECM. 

Kim Hamilton, editor of the Deerhorn Valley Antler, told ECM that traffic Tuesday was “much calmer” but some delays continued, forcing residents to take back roads and long detours to avoid the highway. She voiced concerns for local businesses if the congestion doesn’t clear up soon. She also expressed concern that when 94 is clogged,  the only other evacuation route for residents in Deerhorn Valley in the event of a brush fire or other emergency is an hour and a half drive to Alpine.

She also cited a litany of other problems residents have reported on community bulletin boards: “Trash,urinating, drinking in cars,drugs…loud music that groups of cars would blast out…dancing on cars.”

She voiced frustration that CalTrans allowed the casino despite vocal concerns raised by residents over traffic yet  “CalTrans wouldn’t even allow a farmer’s market at Simpson’s [former nursery site near the casino] because of the danger posed by entering/exiting 04.  “We are all in a state of shock. And angry. And dejected,” she wrote.

 Hamilton says a car crash into a fence along Rancho Jamul Reserve appears related to the casino.  ”Two young casino patrons plowed into the chain link fence at the entrance to the Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve on State  Route 94” less than a mile east of the casino,  Hamilton says residents reported.  Border Patrol and California Highway Patrol responded. “Both passengers appeared unhurt and admitted having just left the casino after consuming an unknown amount of alcohol,” Hamilton added. “I’d like to think this fence might have saved their lives that night.”  The roadway was in the straightest section; had the motorists continued on they would have encountered a narrow, dark, winding and shoulderless road on 94 East and Otay Lakes Road that “challenge even us local and sober drivers.”

ECM has asked  CHP for details on the accident described above,  as well as records on any other accidents or DUI incidents that may have happened since the casino opened along State Route 94. 

On Google Reviews, casino visitors posted mixed opinions on the new casino.

Some had positive experiences. “Jessica Iburg observed, I’m not much of a gambler but this casino felt classy. The steak house was amazing and the Tony Gwynn sports bar was awesome! Can’t wait to go back.”

“Beat the traffic and had a great time, machines were paying off and food was great,  yes the traffic was crazy but let’s hope it changes and won’t be so bad.  I won 500 bucks …the staff are super friendly,”  Anna Dickie wrote.

Cameron, no last name  posted, said he had an “excellent time” and that the mornings are not too crowded,  though afternoons and nights have been busy. He praised “state of the art”amenities including a smoking ventilation system.

John Montgomery praised modern machines and old-school mechanical wheels as well as  “great food court choices including the Tony Gwynn sports bar and upstairs Loft 94 with great view ofJamul valley.” He said midday traffic wasn’t bad and if you can get into the lot “parking was easy with computer controlled spaces.”

But others cited negative experiences. 

Sam Giordano wrote,”Traffic and parking are terrible. Cops ticketing everybody not parked in the structure…Took 2 hours to get there. Very small and not well run. Décor is very nice.”

Paul Rodriguez wrote, “No parking…when finally got in it was a mini version of a casino…what a joke.”

Melanie Monroe concluded, “Traffic is backed up for miles and miles.  Takes hours to get there and then the parking lot is full. Elevators from the parking garage weren’t working yesterday. Some people actually got trapped in an elevator. Don’t go!”

Payia Yang stated, “We would never come back to this casino ever again. It’s not worth it, take that extra 15 mins drive to the other casinos.”

 A key test of whether the traffic issues will prove manageable or not for residents and casino guests will be this weekend, when people who work during the week visit the new casino Friday night through Sunday at the same times the Steele Canyon High School homecoming and JamulFest draw crowds of local residents and visitors for these popular community activities.



 


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