TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR THE WOODSTOCK SITE

The historic 1969 Woodstock site attracts thousands to Bethel, NY each year without a structure on the land or even a sign pointing the way. The Gerry Foundation (GF) now plans to build a Performing Arts District’s “Core Activities” on approximately half of the 38-acre field, as shown in this illustration. The plan includes a shopping center, various structures, and a new "security" fence surrounding the remaining field, turning the site into an impenetrable compound.

It was asserted in a May 31 Washington Times article that construction would only occur in a "corner" of the field. We beg to differ. In the same article, Bethel Town Supervisor (Mayor) Allan Scott was quoted as saying: "[the Woodstock Preservation Alliance] is contesting an area that will have structures on it, the same area that had structures in 1969". We say that those structures were temporary ones, removed after the '69 festival, and that makes a huge difference.

An unspoiled Woodstock site would set the Bethel Performing Arts Center (PAC) head-and-shoulders above other competing venues, such as the PAC now being built in nearby Bushkill, PA. The site itself would be a second attraction, with no "improvement" needed. If opened to the public as a city park, visitors would have a place to enjoy the natural beauty of the land. This would encourage tourists to come and spend one or more days, not just attend an evening show. It would also give people a reason to visit even when there is no concert.

A recent TV commercial used to sell $40,000 cars features a stressed executive-type, leaving the city and driving a hundred miles just to breathe the fresh air of an unspoiled Woodstock field. The executive is representative of the many thousands of individuals who have been doing exactly that for generations. This symbolizes Madison Avenue's idea of "Woodstock", as well as the world's. Don't you think that the executive and the thousands he represents would simply turn around in disgust if they arrived to find the field paved over and fenced in with chain-link?

The decision to build or not build on the site belongs to the Bethel Town Board, not GF, and it's being decided right now. The Woodstock Preservation Alliance (WPA) believes that GF's control of over 1300 acres in the area leaves more than enough space for both the PAC and this unspoiled historic site.

The WPA is a grass-roots organization in it's purist form. We accept no direct donations or dues from anyone. We have no funds whatsoever. We are not a not-for-profit, and we have absolutely no financial stake in the outcome of this struggle. No one is paid, and no one wants to be. We only want what is right for this important and historic icon of American history.

There is no guarantee that the PAC will be a success. You may recall that recently, Brittney Spears performed at the site to a crowd of only a few thousand. She sells out stadiums elsewhere. If the site is paved over and the PAC does not succeed as planned, Bethel will be left with nothing but a ruined historic landmark. Once construction begins, there will be no turning back.

An important public meeting on the topic was held on Tuesday, May 14 at the White Lake Firehouse on Rt. 17B. This was the only opportunity to date to be heard regarding the placement of these structures. The meeting was open to everyone, Bethel residents and potential visitors alike. At the standing-room only hearing, the Town Board heard from WPA members as well as members of the local community. It was clear that the overwhelming local sentiment was in favor of building the PAC immediately, and building on the '69 Woodstock site. The WPA favors the Bethel PAC, but feels that it is senseless and short-sighted to build on the historic 38 acres when an additional 1300 are available to GF.

The Bethel Town Board seeks your written opinion as they make their decision, which is expected in late July 2002. Please, take a few moments and send your thoughts to the address below, and be sure to include your name and return address. Otherwise, your thoughts will not be read! Your written opinion will make a difference; please don't count on the "other guy" to write a letter instead of you!

Bethel deserves a first-class PAC. Bethel and the nation deserve an unspoiled 1969 Woodstock site. We can have both!

"Would you build a shopping center where Washington crossed the Delaware?" - Alan Gerry, to The New York Times in 2001, regarding the historical importance of the '69 Woodstock field and his previous decision to not build there.

Write to: Town of Bethel - Joint Lead Agency for the PAC - P.O. Box 300 - White Lake, NY 12786