The Genting Group of Malaysia, a $45 billion global casino operator, has submitted an application to the NY State Gaming Commission for a massive $1.5 billion casino-hotel on the 240-acre lot that is currently home to the Renaissance Faire and Tuxedo Ridge Ski Center, along Route 17A in Tuxedo, New York.

The proposed "Sterling Forest Resort" plan calls for a built-up space of 1.4 million square feet including 180,000 square feet of gambling, a 1,000-room seven-story hotel, and a 10-story parking garage, all on a site squarely in the middle of Sterling Forest State Park. Included in the proposal is a plan for a Thruway interchange at the end of 17A. Genting estimates an expected 6.9 million visitors to the casino annually.

Genting owns the Resort World casino in Astoria Queens, the largest slot machine venue in the United States.

This project will bring with it an increase in drunk driving, crime, pollution, and a total destruction of many of the characteristics we moved here to enjoy – privacy, safety, quietude, natural beauty. The costs are not worth the promises the company has showered upon our town officials.

The NYS Gaming Commission needs to hear our strong opposition to Genting's casino application.

Make your opinion known! Use the form on this page to send a message to the official email address established by the NYS Gaming Commission for soliciting comments. Use the suggested opposition statement in your comments, if you'd like.