Genting’s millionaire casino project faces opposition in NYC

The vast majority of the correspondence expresses horror at the idea of a 1,000-room hotel with an accompanying ski resort and a “rejuvenated Renaissance Fair medieval festival” disturbing the tranquility of Sterling Forest, Orange County, 40 miles outside New York City.

In fact, environmentalist groups and local nature lovers are up in arms about Genting’s plans to build its casino in the largely untouched highland forest habitat that is vital for the survival of many species, such as black bears and black foxes.

Nine Competing for a spot in the Hudson Valley/Catskills

“Here is our message to Genting: pack up your money and go someplace else,” Rodger Friedman of the Sterling Forest Partnership, told the New York Daily News this week.

His opinion is echoed by many politicians, including former New York Governor George Pataki, who has called the area a “17,500-acre environmental treasure.”


It seems odd that Genting failed to predict that their choice of location might engender so much controversy and hostility, especially when entering into what they knew would be a hugely fierce bidding process.

Four licenses are available across all three regions, with no one region able to take on more than two licenses. With 16 bidders in total, nine are vying for space in Genting’s chosen region, the Hudson Valley/Catskills.

Decision December 17

On December 17, a five-member panel of the Gaming Facility Location Board will meet in Albany to decide which of the bidders will receive the coveted licenses, and Gaming Commission spokesman Lee Park said recently that public support will be a strong factor in deciding how the licenses will be distributed.

Genting must have done its homework thoroughly, and therefore it must have been aware that back in 2000, a 575-acre plot in the center of the forest was bought by a developer who planned to build a housing community there.

However, environmentalists took up the cause, supported vocally by ex-governor Pataki, and were able to procure the tract of land for the state park.

Genting remains optimistic, however. “We are deeply aware of the emotional connection many feel towards Sterling Forest,” said Genting spokesman Michael Levoff in response to the criticism. “We have designed our project to be in tune with the natural surroundings while protecting the surrounding environment, our most important asset.”