Bill Text: NJ SR92 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges State of New York not to approve development of casino in Sterling Forest.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2014-09-22 - Filed with Secretary of State [SR92 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-SR92-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator PAUL A. SARLO
District 36 (Bergen and Passaic)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senator Gordon
SYNOPSIS
Urges State of New York not to approve development of casino in Sterling Forest.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution respectfully urging the State of New York not to approve the development of a casino in or around Sterling Forest.
Whereas, New Jersey endeavored for 20 years to preserve Sterling Forest, located in New York, from development that would negatively affect New Jersey's environment and water-supply; and
Whereas, Due to the efforts of New Jersey, Sterling Forest is presently a 22,000 acre state park in New York, and the watershed within the park provides approximately 3 million New Jersey residents with drinking water; and
Whereas, This forest is vital to the survival of many different species, including black bear, hawks and songbirds, and rare invertebrates and plants; and
Whereas, The development of a 1.4 million square-foot casino, with a 1,000 room hotel, has been proposed to be built within and around part of Sterling Forest; and
Whereas, A casino would impart an incalculable environmental footprint on this preserved area, threatening New Jersey's drinking water, and bringing substantial traffic and pollution into the area; and
Whereas, The development of a casino would also negatively impact the scenic vistas provided by one of the largest preserved areas in the New York metropolitan area; and
Whereas, Many New York residents reportedly oppose the development of a casino in this area due to the extreme environmental consequences that will arise from such development; and
Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper for this House to respectfully urge the state of New York not to approve the development of a casino in or around Sterling Forest; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House respectfully urges the State of New York not to approve the development of a casino in or around Sterling Forest.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Governor of New York.
STATEMENT
This resolution respectfully urges the State of New York not to approve the development of a casino in or around Sterling Forest.
Sterling Forest is a 22,000 acre state park in New York that is host to a watershed providing 3 million New Jersey residents with drinking water. This park has been preserved by the State of New York after New Jersey spent many decades of advocating for the prevention of its development. Allowing a casino to be developed in this area would counteract the efforts of New Jersey to protect this special area and would have negative consequences on New Jersey's water supply and the environment.
Sterling Forest represents one of the largest preserved spaces in the New York metropolitan area and is irreplaceable. In addition to the direct consequences from the development of the casino, increased traffic and pollution would be expected due to the anticipated increase of tourism in the area.
The residents of New York and New Jersey should be able to continue to enjoy Sterling Forest, and the quality of the drinking water provided by the watershed within this park should not be compromised.
