OFFICIALS CALL WOODSTOCK A 'RECIPE FOR DISASTER' AT VERNON TOWN BOARD MEETINGResidents at public hearing say they don't want Woodstock in their backyardwww.wktv.com/content/news/Officials-call-Woodstock-a-recipe-for-disaster-at-Vernon-town-board-meeting-512455751.html?fbclid=IwAR3-YYLgWqn0Fhi5RGzoA4brnFkPeUtGXw8dgQDiBAUYIMysSuHOgHS_V6UPosted: Jul 9, 2019 12:34 AM
VERNON, NY – It was standing room only at the Vernon town board meeting Monday evening.
On the agenda was a public hearing on the proposed Woodstock 50th anniversary concert at Vernon Downs.
Promoters for the event were given the opportunity to present their proposal to the board and the community, but the overwhelming consensus is that the residents do not want Woodstock 50 in their back yard.
Many of them expressed concerns about their businesses and properties when the estimated 65,000 concertgoers left the venue each night.
There were also concerns about massive traffic tie-ups and how first responders would respond to emergencies, not only at the venue but surrounding areas as well.
Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol says Woodstock 50 should take place in August 2020, not 2019.
“No matter how good the plan looks on paper, to implement this plan in 39 days, is impossible to ensure the safety of the public.”
Promoters for Woodstock 50 would not talk to the media about the ongoing process.
They are still waiting for approval from the State Health Department to hold the event.
___________________________________________________UPDATE: TOWN OF VERNON DENIES PERMIT TO HOLD WOODSTOCK 50 AT VERNON DOWNSwww.wktv.com/content/news/UPDATE-Woodstock-50-says-theyll-appeal-the-towns-decision-512489852.htmlUPDATE- Woodstock 50 said they will appeal after the town of Vernon denied their permit application to hold the music festival at Vernon Downs Casino.
Here's Woodstock 50's full statement-
"In response to the denial of an event permit by the Town of Vernon, Woodstock 50 believes certain political forces may be working against the resurrection of the Festival.
Local reports claim Woodstock’s filing for the permit was “incomplete” but that is not the case. Woodstock 50 officials were informed by the Town of Vernon that most questions had
been answered and asked only that Woodstock submit medical, safety/security and traffic plans by this past Sunday, which it did. With a venue chosen, financing assembled and
many of the artist’s supporting Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary event, the organizers are hopeful that their appeal and reapplication tonight will prevail without further political interference."
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VERNON, N.Y. -- The town of Vernon has denied Woodstock 50's permit to hold their 50th anniversary show at Vernon Downs the weekend of August 16.
The attorney for the town of Vernon says the town codes officer, who has the authority to make the decision, did so Tuesday afternoon, denying Woodstock 50's permit.
Attorney Vincent Rossi says Woodstock’s permit application to the town was bare bones, as in, one page with a signature and not a spec of detail. And the town has
very specific regulations for such events, from hours of operation, to noise, to the number of porta potties that have to be at the event.
In addition to this, Rossi says Woodstock failed to meet the time constraints; they were supposed to apply for the permit 120 days prior to the event, which would have been April,
but they applied in June.
Does Woodstock have any recourse? Yes, there is an appeal process within the town hierarchy. They'd appeal to the town planning board. They have to do that in the next five days.
WKTV is waiting to hear from them in terms of whether they plan to appeal.
__________________________________________________________________DOH: MASS GATHERING PERMIT NOT REQUIRED IF WOODSTOCK 50 COMES TO VERNON DOWNS www.wktv.com/content/news/DOH-Mass-gathering-permit-not-required-if-Woodstock-50-comes-to-Vernon-Downs-512469902.htmlVERNON, N.Y. -- Details about the potential for Woodstock 50 at Vernon Downs continue to come together.
The state Department of Health says because the event does not include camping, or overnight accommodations – a "mass gathering permit" is not necessary.
However, Woodstock 50 must meet sanitary codes requirements and public functions with attendance of 5,000 people requirements, and obtain a permit for that.
The information submitted by Woodstock 50 is still being evaluated by the DOH, in collaboration with Oneida County, and other state officials.
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