The New York Gaming Commission’s Facility Location Board rejected any Orange County sites, leaving Tuxedo to forge it’s own economic future.
The possibility of a casino in Orange County was always a long shot. Wednesday’s decision by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board to exclude Orange County from any casino development was confirmation of those odds.
Orange County, especially Sterling Forest in Tuxedo, was just too close to New York City, with too much local resistance and generally presented too much of a headache. The sole casino location chosen by the board in the Hudson Valley/Catskills region was the Town of Thompson in Sullivan County, with the Montreign Resort Casino.
The Location Board based its Orange County decision mostly on economic dynamics, opting to locate casinos in more economically distressed areas much further from New York and the encroaching New Jersey gaming industry.
The Tuxedo Union Free School District is in the conversion charter process to create the Tuxedo STEM Academy at George F. Baker High School.
Where does the whole casino process leave Tuxedo? Well, the process poured a few much-needed dollars into local coffers, including some $300,000 to the Tuxedo Union Free School District that wiped a negative balance for 2014 off the books. The process always provided the entire community to engage in a serious conversation about how to jump-start a local economy. The process has clarified an economic strategy that Tuxedo and the surrounding communities should embrace — a parks and recreation economy that can enhance the value of the region and help attract people and business to the area.
Tuxedo Supervisor Mike Rost released a statement that recognized the importance of the casino effort, as Tuxedo community came together to discuss and debate what important economic and quality of life issues.
“We are proud that we met our obligation to explore a unique opportunity for the future of our town,” Rost said in a statement, citing the openness and transparency of the process. “I’m deeply gratified by the rigorous participation of the Town Board, Tuxedo residents and the respect shown for all points of view. In accepting today’s decision, we recognize that we continue to face real challenges under a new set of circumstances. I am confident that Tuxedo will come together and meet these challenges with the same resiliency and determination that have always characterized our community.”
So, as the winter chill returns and Tuxedo moves on from the Casino Decision, a few of the “real challenges” Supervisor Rost mentioned are old familiars. One not mentioned below is the specter of increased local taxes to cover services.
Tuxedo Union Free School District — With the district continuing down the road to convert to the Tuxedo STEM Academy at George F. Baker High School, the community will struggle with the financials of losing Greenwood Lake students while attracting STEM students from the surrounding communities. Projections for student enrollment are on a downward curve, which would increase the cost of education per student.
If Tuxedo is successful with its conversion, it may face short term pain but experience long term gain by establishing an attractive alternative education model focused on science and technology.
Tuxedo Farms — This is Tuxedo Rereserve re-imagined. With the haze of casino gold gone, the community can now address and assess this long-planned development that, when complete, would be as large as Sloatsburg and Tuxedo Park. With a possible 30,000 square foot Orange County YMCA branch and phased construction schedule, Tuxedo Farms could contribute economically to the region as it would provide an attractive, upscale lifestyle in the parks region.
Mulch Pile on Tuxedo Department of Public Works Property— Before those spontaneous combustions and contaminated run-off, the mulch pile operated by Perfect Cut contributed up to $200,000 plus to the town’s coffers. Now, the town must manage the mulch pile as it shrinks. But as it shrinks, the benefits to the town may also shrink. Though if the site accomplishes the town’s mission for it, a town mulch and debris site can be a general benefit.
There is the added question of how the dirt pile along Rt. 17 is being managed in terms of its size and density along the Ramapo River. Remember that time the dump truck clipped an O&R power line and knocked out power to parts of Sloatsburg? But the town collects fees and taxes from a big local business, managing a large tract along the town’s south Rt. 17 river corridor.
Tuxedo Train Station — The station is the centerpiece of local commerce and foot traffic. People come and go there. The Tuxedo Farmers’ Market sets up Saturdays there in summer and fall. There’s also a monthly Winters Market inside the station, with select vendors all snug and warm. The new copper top bus shelter across from the station parking lot is a nice addition to the Tuxedo friendly transportation vibe.
In the meantime, be local, support your towns and villages, local businesses.
