Some say rural and rustic can and should include development and some density in Western Ramapo and Orange County. Others contend that it only makes sense to be good shepherds of the woody Ramapo Mountains and parks and open spaces in Rockland and Orange Counties, where the expansive Ramapo River watershed runs and helps water homes and businesses along its banks in New York and New Jersey.
A Blue Heron nests along the Ramapo River in Tuxedo, NY.
Both views will be discussed Thursday evening, July 31, when the Town of Tuxedo presents its Draft Scoping Document, part of the town’s overall State Environmental Quality Review process (SEQRA) related to the proposed Sterling Forest Resort and casino project slated for Tuxedo Ridge Ski acreage and adjacent property. 
The Public Hearing takes place at 7 p.m. at George Grant Mason Elementary School in Tuxedo. Town environmental consultants will present the draft Scoping Document that articulates particular environment issues related to the Genting Americas development proposal which is one of 17 casino proposals submitted to the NY State Gaming Commission in late June — Orange County itself has five site proposals, including Tuxedo Forest.
The town Scoping Document would target mitigation measures that might need action before the project “can be approved,” according to a letter from Supervisor Rost. The hearing and subsequent SEQRA document will establish the parameters of the overall environmental study that encompasses the Tuxedo Forest Resort casino development, including waste water issues, the re-establishment of a 100-plus acre private garden, parking, and an assortment of traffic-related studies.
The public is encouraged to make suggestions or comments on the Scoping Document — though the Town Board has limited comments to three minutes to give ample opportunity for speakers to be heard.
Strip of vacant land that is the proposed site for the Sterling Forest Resort hotel and casino.
Geoff Welch, local Highlands photographer and member of various Hudson Valley environmental associations said the science and technology behind Genting’s proposed innovative treatment of waste and storm water for the project should be made available for validation and study, nestled as the resort would be in Sterling Forest itself.
Welch said he remained opposed to the concept of a massive casino development adjacent to the Doris Duke Nature Sanctuary which is the large tract of preserved land to the west of the Sterling Forest Resort site.
Sue Scher, co-chair of the Sterling Forest Partnership that has worked for decades to preserve Sterling Forest said, “Hopefully the community’s environment concerns will be heard at the Scoping session.”
Tuxedo Town Supervisor Mike Rost and the Town Council have apparently attempted to draw open the curtains and allow as much sunlight to shine on the process as possible given the Gaming Commission’s tight deadline — the Town has provided timely updates and communications to residents related to the vast project’s moving parts.
The Scoping Hearing will incorporate feedback from residents received by the town via emails and comments and suggestions made at Public Hearings. Rost’s office stated that residents unable to attend Thursday’s hearing can submit suggestions in writing addressed to the Town Clerk before 3 p.m. on August 4.
Town of Tuxedo presents its Draft Scoping Document, Thursday, July 31, at 7 p.m. at George Grant Mason Elementary School in Tuxedo.
