Viewing the casino from the other side of the mountain

After looking at the design for the proposed casino over the hill in Tuxedo, the phrase "be careful what you wish for" comes to mind.

The lure of employing hundreds of people so close to home is a temptation to throw caution to the wind and give full on support for the project.

On the flip side of this is the concern that rather than bringing hordes of tourist to Warwick that perhaps the excitement of the slots, and theme park-like atmosphere will keep people from driving up over the mountain.

And will keep those who come here now from returning.

Why would someone make the effort to do that drive when everything they want is at their fingertips in one location?

In reading the plans for the resort development there will be a festival for every season.

How will the fall one affect the annual Apple festival that brings thousands of tourists to our town?

Yes, there will conceivably be hundreds of thousands of people getting off the new New York State Thruway exit to come to the new casino resort, but will those people then venture forth to explore our region?

Or will they stay on the other side of the mountain, leaving their fun money in Tuxedo.

Then there is the caveat that this casino could raise our property values, while lowering our county tax levy. Wouldn't that be nice?

Or we could become the forgotten town, with dwindling commerce and lower property values.

I hope that our town supervisor and representatives will have a strong voice in what could become a reality and change the landscape as we know it forever.

Tracey Lyons
Warwick