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Ellenville leader fears legislation could block casino
By Katie Young, Freeman staff
(Kingston) Daily Freeman
March 29, 2007

ELLENVILLE - A move to protect Ulster County from casinos is meeting some resistance - specifically from the village manager in Ellenville, who does not want to shut out the possibility of gaming halls and the economic benefits they could bring.

"I understand the concerns of those in the county that are saying 'no casino,' but I don't think we should slam the door on the entire county when it comes to an opportunity like this," Elliott Auerbach said.

Auerbach is concerned about a resolution before the Ulster County Legislature, due to be voted on next month, that would support a state Assembly bill to possibly keep casinos out of the county. The bill calls for Ulster to be left off the list of counties for which the governor can negotiate gaming compacts with American Indian tribes.

The 2001 state law that cleared the way for Indian-run casinos in the Catskills did not mandate that the governor seek approval from a county where a casino would be established. Cahill's bill would change that.

The 2001 law authorized a total of three Indian-run casinos in Ulster and Sullivan counties. So far, the only one in the planning stages would be in the Sullivan County community of Monticello. Casinos were suggested in recent years for the Ulster County towns of Wawarsing and Saugerties, but neither plan came to fruition.

The sponsor of the new bill in the Assembly, Kingston Democrat Kevin Cahill, declined to comment for this story. And although his bill would not necessarily prohibit casinos in Ulster County, Auerbach said it sends an "anti-casino" message.

"At this stage of the game, it seems we've slammed the door on it, even though Kevin's legislation, when you drill into it, doesn't specifically say that, but it does seem to close the door on it," Auerbach said.

"I'm not a proponent of casinos," Auerbach added. "I'm a proponent of keeping the door open to considering casino gambling in Ulster County."

Ulster County Legislator Brian Shapiro, the sponsor of the Ulster County resolution, agrees the intent of Cahill's bill is to protect the county from casino gambling and says there's more at stake than merely the effect on Ellenville.

"I respect the village manager and his opinions, however this is a regional issue," said Shapiro, D-Woodstock. "For anything proposed along Route 209, the impacts on that corridor would be horrendous. Therefore, this becomes a county issue, not simply a local one."

Several state legislators have said the Cahill bill is unnecessary because a casino can't be built without support from the host municipality.

A June 2005 resolution approved by the county Legislature states that "residents of each individual municipality in Ulster County (should) have input as to whether an Indian gaming establishment should be located within its borders." Numerous Ulster County towns - including Gardiner, Hardenburgh, Marbletown, New Paltz, Plattekill, Saugerties and Woodstock - have adopted resolutions stating their opposition to casino gambling. Other towns and villages, however, remain open to the possibility.

County Legislator Susan Cummings, R-Ellenville, said she doesn't personally favor casino gambling but would vote according to her constituents' wishes.

Legislator Mary Sheeley, D-Ellenville, and James Dolaway, supervisor of the town of Wawarsing, agreed the decision should be left to the towns and villages. Dolaway said he plans to contact Cahill and county legislators on the matter.

Auerbach said a casino could help fill the void created by the recent shutdowns of Hydro Aluminum and Imperial Schrade, which eliminated a combined 560 jobs. He also sees tourism opportunities and said a casino could help level the playing field with area resorts.

Correspondent Hank Gross contributed to this report.

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