Kerri Connolly and Anne Brice, Richmond

A view of Point Molate.

Smoking would also be allowed inside the proposed casino, which Butt said he was opposed to, and he said he didn't feel the report provided sufficient plans for extending the Bay Trail through the site.

McLaughlin said she was in favor of amendments Butt proposed to remedy what he saw as the document's shortcomings and chose to vote against certifying the EIR because those amendments weren't added.

Beckles, Ritterman and Booze have all said publicly that they are opposed to the casino project despite voting to certify it Tuesday.

Beckles said she had been advised by the city's attorneys not to comment on Tuesday's vote or the April 5 vote because of a potential lawsuit, but did say part of her election campaign in November focused on rejecting the proposed casino project.

"And people voted for me for a reason," Beckles said. Ritterman pointed out that the EIR applies to the casino project as well as projects that don't include a casino and could be useful for potential future projects if the casino project fails.

He also said, however, that it was important for council members to keep an open mind about the proposed project and to consider the final proposal in good faith.

Rogers said his goal was to work with Upstream to fully develop the project proposal and then put it on the ballot and let voters decide.

He said residents have been passionate about the issue on both sides and that he believes there are compelling arguments both for and against the proposed project.

"I think that the way to honor that very passionate difference of opinion is to put it on the ballot," Rogers said.

He said if the city were to let voters decide, the matter could be settled once and for all.

Butt, however, said he believes that whichever way the council votes in April, there will be lawsuits and the issue will be around for years to come.

Booze was not available for comment Wednesday.

In an advisory measure in November, voters said they did not want a casino to be built in Richmond.

Even if the city council were to approve the project, it would still require state and federal approval to move forward.