Threaten Precious Wildlife and cause irreversible environmental damage, including to endangered and threatened species unique to this area including mammals, amphibians, butterflies, plants and more. These include species such as the Indiana Bat, the Northern long-eared bat, the Monarch Butterfly, the Blanding’s Turtle, the Cat-tail sedge and more.  The proposal impacts Dutchess County Wetland Significant Biodiversity Areas  and Important Areas for Rare Wetland Animals. This scale of commercial development destroys habitats.

Harm our fresh waterways, including surface water (streams and ponds), vital wetlands and, ultimately, our groundwater. Science now shows the destructive impact of pharmaceutical, chemical and microplastic pollution that goes with the hotel and spa  business, especially on bats, turtles and other diminishing wildlife (and on humans).

Create a Major Traffic nuisance, increase air contamination and noise pollution areawide. Increased traffic and noise are more than an annoyance for humans -- they threaten nesting areas and major wildlife crossings, including for our endangered turtles . Heavy trucks will be almost constant as guests arrive and depart and food, supplies, and equipment are delivered multiple times each week . The resort’s garbage and snow removal needs will also increase the frequency of large truck equipment.  Even the Developer's own estimates show 458-608 vehicles entering and leaving per-day (without including delivery trucks),

Obliterate the peaceful night sky with light pollution required for the hundreds of onsite guests and employees, 24/7.  Artificial lighting is especially harmful to birds and insects, adding to biodiversity decline.  The full-service hotel is also likely to impact  the electrical grid with amenities such as air-conditioning, a restaurant, on-site transportation by golf carts, and general electrical service to the dozens of structures. The vulnerable condition of the power grid will create a need for generators, further increasing noise and disrupting the landscape.

Change the rural character of the town  while doing nothing for town residents other than extracting resources. The project flies in the face of the Town's Comprehensive Plan, the Open Space Protection Plan, and the Conservation Advisory Council's work, ignoring the will of  the people. The Town has repeatedly said NO to Hotels.

Destroy land and habitat critical for wildlife (bears, coyotes, bobcats, bats, owls, turtles, prey birds, and more) and for the many diverse species the land currently supports including threatened native plant life and fungi. The building plan and incessant guest traffic will also disturb ground nesting birds, such as the bobolink and meadowlark, as well as other wildlife dependent upon this land.  NY's environmental laws demand our towns be stewards of the land not the tools of big developers.

Mar the Scenic Beauty of our community, undermine open spaces and upend conservation efforts that have taken years to put into place.  Wetland restoration is now recognized as a top priority nationwide and locally yet this project would actually increase wetland destruction.  

Accelerate Economic Challenges by undermining local businesses and adding to growing income inequality, especially for young people and working families.  Management and directives will come from overseas headquarters so any local jobs gained are likely to be lower-tier service work. The resort hotel will also increase the need for more police, fire fighting, emergency, and road maintenance services and vehicles, raising the tax burden for landowners