As a resident and taxpayer of New York State, I am registering my vehement opposition to the potential creation of off-reservation casinos in Sullivan County.
We oppose the devastation these mega-casinos would bring to our unique eco-system and its thriving habitat, plant and animal life.
We oppose the compromising of our water resources through the deforestation, erosion, construction blasting and risk of toxic substances entering surface and ground water and the draining of our aquifer.
We fear the danger of excessive flooding that this environmental destruction would exacerbate, threatening our homes and property.
We oppose the contamination of our air quality.
We oppose the effect of adding hundred of thousands cars a year to our already overcrowded roadways and the adverse effects this traffic congestion would have on our business and commerce.
We oppose the negative economic effects the casinos would have on our existing restaurants, bars, and family businesses.
We oppose the pervasive and compelling social problems that casinos would bring including crime, prostitution, poverty, violence, child and elder abuse, chemical dependency, and suicide.
We oppose the creation of what would in effect be new cities that are wholly inconsistent with the surrounding hamlets, character of the community and intimate hospitality that has traditionally attracted visitors.
We support smart sustainable growth that will revive the area in a responsible way that will benefit the people who live here.
We therefore petition you, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther to stop multiple off-reservation casino developments from coming to the Catskills and to instead work to promote a sustainable future for the region.
Assembywoman Aileen Gunther
18 Anawana Lake Road
Monticello, NY 12701
845-794-5807
Congressman Maurice Hinchey
City Hall, Third Floor
16 James St.
Middletown, NY 10940
845-344-3211
Kirsten Gillibrand
780 Third Avenue
Suite 2601
New York, New York 10017
212-688-6262
Senator Charles Schumer
One Park Place, Suite 100
Peekskill, NY
914-734-1532