Press Release - 6 February 2003

February 6, 2003

PRESS RELEASE
FROM: The Woodstock Preservation Alliance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE WOODSTOCK PRESERVATION ALLIANCE, WORKING AT STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS, SEEKS TO HAVE THE ORIGINAL WOODSTOCK SITE RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY with our comments regarding tax spending and budget cuts.

[BETHEL, NY] - The Woodstock Preservation Alliance announced today that it has submitted a nomination to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C., in an attempt to have the 38 acre site of the original Woodstock Music & Arts Fair added to the list of "The 11 Most Endangered Historic Places" for 2003.

The Woodstock Music & Arts Fair took place in August 1969 on the land of farmer Max Yasgur, in the Town of Bethel, NY. Sullivan County billionaire Alan Gerry purchased this land in 1997 and is planning construction of a Performing Arts Center, with structures extending onto the original 38-acre site.

The Woodstock Preservation Alliance seeks to preserve the original site in its present condition, free from structures, fencing, or other obtrusive objects. It contends that the Gerry Foundation has alternatives, using land that surrounds the site on which to build, while leaving the original site intact. The WPA does not oppose the Performing Arts Center, merely the placement of it, or any support structures.

Also at this time, The Woodstock Preservation Alliance is requesting that the original Woodstock Site be allowed its recognition, and take its place on the National Register of Historic Places.

We are appealing to Mr. Gerry, and to the Gerry Foundation Inc., for written permission, allowing us to continue with the application process; to have the "Woodstock Site" placed on the National Register. The Woodstock Preservation Alliance does not expect any opposition on the part of the Gerry Foundation to the WPA's desire to proceed with immediate registration.

Finally, particularly disturbing to the WPA is the fact that the Pataki administration gave 15 million dollars toward the building of the Bethel Performing Arts Center, while announcing that aid to schools will be cut by 1.24 billion dollars. The education of our children in New York State should be a much higher priority than destroying a cultural and historical landmark.

Additional information about the Woodstock Preservation Alliance and its efforts to preserve the original site can be found at: www.thewoodstockspirit.org
The Board of Directors,

Woodstock Preservation Alliance

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