Officials disappointed by gambling site decision

Both Newburgh city and town officials were visibly disappointed by the decision to pass over Orange County as a site to build a casino. Six of the 16 proposed casinos were in Orange County and would

News 12 Staff

Dec 18, 2014, 3:43 AM

Updated 3,427 days ago

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Officials disappointed by gambling site decision
Both Newburgh city and town officials were visibly disappointed by the decision to pass over Orange County as a site to build a casino.
Six of the 16 proposed casinos were in Orange County and would have brought thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue.
"Why did they even include Orange County and waste everybody's time in this whole thing?" asked Newburgh Mayor Judy Kennedy. "I'm disappointed in the process as much as anything. This whole thing could have been avoided."
Newburgh had two casinos looking to come in to the area, and the prospect of a multimillion-dollar gaming resort had hopes up for much-needed jobs, tax revenue and revitalization.
Other Orange County projects shot down were in Blooming Grove, Woodbury, Montgomery and Sterling Forest.
The New York State Gaming Location Board said its decision was based on a mix of local opposition, environmental, traffic and financial concerns, along with the close proximity to New York City.
As for the future of the city and town of Newburgh, Supervisor Gilbert Piaquadio says there's plenty of other opportunities for growth. He said the town will get by and good things will happen with or without a casino in the area.


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