Residents fight back against proposed casino in Tuxedo

TUXEDO, N.Y. (WABC) -- Residents in a small town in Orange County are fighting back against a proposed casino.

Tuxedo is known for its hiking trails and lakes, but developers are proposing a billion dollar Las Vegas style casino, an idea many residents oppose.

"I don't like it, a casino here," said Tatiana Kapa, a homeowner.

For Tatiana Kapa the issue is, "not in my front yard." Her home in Tuxedo overlooks the edge of Sterling Forest, which one day could be transformed into a proposed $1.5 billion casino and resort.

"It is simply the wrong thing in the wrong place," said Mary Yrizzary, a resident.

Mary Yrizzary is one of 18 residents suing Tuxedo claiming the town fast tracked zoning approval without proper environmental review.

The area already includes a ski resort and the grounds of the New York renaissance faire. But opponents say a 10-story hotel and all that might come with it, is a different story.

"The gambling, the drinking, the drunken drivers; the kind of things that it will do to our way of life, it's just an inappropriate place," Yrizzary said.

Last fall, New Yorkers approved a referendum allowing Las Vegas style gaming. Four casinos will be built upstate. Governor Cuomo supported the measure as a way to boost sagging economies.

Developers say the casino would create 2,000 jobs, bring in almost $40 million a year in tax revenue which would lower residents' property taxes.

"I think it's a great idea. Great for the economy, bring some jobs into the area. I'm all for it," said Melvin Bates, a Sloatsburg resident.

As for the lawsuit, attorneys for Tuxedo say, "The town will complete an intensive and comprehensive environmental review as required...prior to a vote on the casino's development." A decision is expected in the fall.