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Make Empire explain impact of Monticello casino proposal

Thursday, September 28, 2006
By Dick Riseling
Times Herald Record

Empire Resorts Inc. says a 5,000-employee casino at the Monticello Raceway will not have a significant impact on a "human environment." This absurd claim is the basis for sidestepping the National Environmental Policy Act requirement that Empire Resorts file a comprehensive environmental impact statement that would investigate the impact of its operation.

This is corporate hubris that shows the mindset of being above the law and far above the community in which it intends to operate. This attitude and behavior should be grounds enough for the citizenry to form a consensus that this particular management will be barred from this region because it fails the necessary requirement of being a good neighbor. This is our community and all are welcome who honestly seek and work to provide for the general welfare. Otherwise, forget about it.

Here are some significant "human environment" impacts that no one can deny or forget, no one should perpetrate, and no one suffer.

1) 5,000 employees makes this casino the largest employer in the county by a factor of four.

2) Casino gambling is certified as one of three greatest sources of addiction illness. The others are tobacco and drugs.

3) Business plans of casinos and academic research confirm that most of the profits are made from addicted gamblers and gamblers whose profiles indicate susceptibility to become problem gamblers.

4) Millions of additional visitors to this one site will cause traffic and air quality issues that affect general commerce and public health, public safety and raise costs in government service far above mitigating fees which may be paid.

5) Empire Resorts Inc has been unable and/or unwilling to keep teenagers, whose addiction rates to gambling are rising much faster than adults, from gambling at its racino.

Are these realities and many others that could be listed insignificant impacts on a human environment? Follow the law, respect the truth where it is known, and come to us with a plan that meets corporate goals and public necessity.

Dick Riseling of Callicoon Center is a member of Casino Free Sullivan County.

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