The Pinoleville Band of Pomo Indians has struck a deal to acquire 105 acres on the northern edge of Ukiah, raising fears among neighbors and local officials the tribe may be planning a casino. 

Of special concern is the sale of a 17-acre parcel of old vineyards on mostly flat land in the Lovers Lane area. That parcel, when combined with two other larger blocks, creates an L-shaped tract of land that runs from Low Gap Road behind Ukiah High School down to Lovers Lane. 

The 280-member Pinoleville tribe already has a 100-acre reservation nearby, including a portion fronting Highway 101 and Orr Springs Road. 

Because tribal leaders so far are refusing to publicly discuss their plans, neighboring landowners are increasingly fearful the tribe is planning a casino on the Lovers Lane portion of the property, and perhaps a high-density housing project for the remainder of the land. 

"We don't want to deal in rumors and innuendos, but because the tribe isn't saying anything, we don't have too much choice," said Martin Bradley, who lives in a quiet residential area adjoining the property. 

Augie Sozzoni, the property seller, and sources close to the deal said Wednesday that tribal representatives have told them there are no immediate development plans. Before it could open any casino, the tribe would have to put the new land in a federal trust, and negotiate a gambling agreement with the state. 

Sozzoni said the property sale won't be complete until the end of a six-month escrow period. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.