A college in the middle of a state park? Sign on to this petition to show your support for the preservation of Sterling Forest State Park. 

As a person who visits and values Sterling Forest State Park, I am deeply disturbed by the proposal to construct a residential complex for 200+ students, on privately-owned land situated within this tranquil park. It is important to protect the ecological integrity of the Sterling Forest. We believe that a residential college does not belong in the middle of a state park. 

Sterling Forest State Park is a refuge for wildlife, a source of clean drinking water for surrounding communities and an opportunity for people to be with nature. The construction of a residential college would not only disturb the peace and quiet of this serene habitat, but also lead to environmental damage, potentially polluting the habitat.

In the past few years the park has already experienced a number of threats: a microburst causing major damage to the trails and trees, and the Jennings Fire which significantly impacted  human life and the flora and fauna.

In the past, the property under NYU was used as a research laboratory, with 25-50 people/graduate students working there. It did not house students as a residence, therefore creating this college with 200+ students, with a 600 percent increase in population, is a change of use.

The Warwick Planning Board must hold the proposed residential college to the most rigorous possible standards of environmental review under New York State law, demanding a thorough draft environmental impact statement for public scrutiny and admitting ample public input. 

Sterling Forest Partnership