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Town of Mamakating:

There are currently two proposals for casinos before the town planning board. The master plan and re-zoning approved last year allows up to 10-story hotels, condominiums, townhouses, and other retail businesses in special "resort zones". One of these zones is right on top of the Shawangunk Ridge. However, in direct contradiction, the Master Plan declares the Shawangunk Ridge as a Ridge and Valley Protection Zone (RVP), which should be protected as a significant environmental resource for the town. While these resort zones were nearly universally opposed in every public hearing, the previous Town Board chose to ignore these comments and approve the zoning changes anyway. The NY legislature last year approved gambling at three sites in Sullivan County. The most likely sites mentioned are two in Monticello, and the third here in Mamakating. See News Articles for more information.

NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) is considering a full interstate exit to be built directly on top of the ridge above Wurtsboro. Many groups and citizens have spoken out against this poor location and unnecessary waste of public money, that will only benefit the owners of the proposed casino. Any exit built here will also greatly increase development of the ridgeline due to the easy access the exit will provide.

Please review our map of the threatened areas of the ridge.


Contact: Shawangunk Ridge Coalition, 156 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah NJ 07430;
201-512-9348 x25; Email: info@shawangunkridge.org