Saturday 05/14/2011
by jackl
BETHEL CAMPGROUND TIFF HEADS TO COURT?
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110514/NEWS/105140333Maybe we will unleash the people on the town and let them handle it. We didn't bring the people to the area."
Roy Howard, one of the owners of the "Yasgurs Pharm" campground in Bethel, speaking to a reporter about the Town's plans to potentially prevent the campground from hosting Phish concertgoers at the upcoming Bethel Woods shows on May 27-29.
According to published reports, the campground owners have taken reservations for an estimated 1,300 cars, exceeding the maximum number of permitted campers under the Town's ordinance, as well as potentially violating a previous court order not to promote festivals at their site, the site of the original 1969 Woodstock festival.
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Phish.net
The Mockingbird Foundation
We the phans didn't make this a mess. It was all good when just the phans were given the opportunity to camp. After speaking to the Town of Bethel, I've found what has caused the issue is Yasgur's plan to hold a festival on their property that same weekend. The fine is the result of advertising the festival, which I had no idea was being held at Yasgur's. The festival is not related to Phish, but is what is causing the problems for anyone reserved at Yasgur's.
I get the impression from Mr. Daniel Sturm that the town has no plans to waive the fine. Additional fines will be levied if Yasgur's proceeds and the council will not meet again on the topic. This isn't about the peaceful right to assemble. It's about the almighty buck!!
The following was obtained directly from the City of Bethel:
> To All,
> The official letter sent by me, with Town Board approval, to the owners of Yasgur Farms (Roy & Jeryl) DID say:
> -By already advertising for a large illegal concert event, they are in violation of the 2007 consent order, and are required to pay a $25,000 fine to the Town of Bethel within 10 days.
> -It DID remind them that the temporary camping permit does not allow any activities other than the limited amount of camping as set forth in the permit (5 campsites per parcel, they have 5 parcels), and anything beyond that is subject to fines/penalties, just like any other property owner in Bethel.
>
> -THE LETTER DID NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTION OR REQUEST CANCELLATION OF CAMPING, as reported inaccurately by the Times Herald Record.
>
> If you would like a copy of the letter, it will be available at the Bethel Town Hall, 845-583-4350 ext. 11.
It doesn't appear that Yasgur's will prevail, so I sure hope they cancel their festival and make good on reservations from Phish Phans. I pheel like we are getting pulled into a fight with the City of Bethel that has nothing to do with Phish Phans.
Have a safe tour!