Four years and still no casinos in the Catskills

Monday, August 29, 2005  

In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, New York Gov. George Pataki (R) pushed legislation to authorize tribal casinos in the Catskills. Four years later, residents of the economically-depressed area have lost hope on the idea.

Three casinos were in the original plan. Later, Pataki added two more tribes into the mix, a move that stirred controversy among the tribes, their lawyers and a lot of lobbyists. Tribes fought with each other over who has the right to assert sovereignty in the state. The jury is still out.

Then came the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Sherrill v. Oneida Nation case. And the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals decision throwing out the Cayuga land claim. Pataki scaled back his plan in light of the rulings. Only one tribe, the St. Regis Mohawks, appears close to getting a casino.

Left in the lurch are the people in the Catskills, many of whom supported the casinos. But they seem to care anymore. "You've been dangling this carrot in front of the residents of this county long enough," Anthony P. Cellini, a town supervisor, told The New York Times. "Just do something. Make a decision. We sit here four years later and we still have no casino."

Some residents, however, are glad the deals have been delayed. They predicted traffic woes and a loss of business.

Get the Story:
Catskill Casinos: An Issue Left in Limbo by Discord and Indecision (The New York Times 8/29)
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