It's not about the sentimental
"spirit" of Woodstock anymore. It's about the
politics of historic preservation, and accountability to the
words and broken promises spoken to the tax paying residents
of Sullivan County and NY State, from whom GF gladly accepted
their hard-earned money. It's about preserving a Historic
Site.
Against all our wishes, we are at war. Our attentions are focused on the issues.
Our energies are expended in our voices, and our prayers call out for PEACE.
This is a very consequential time in our lives. But if we would free a very small part of our time, we need to take that moment and remember why the WPA was established. We must not lose sight of the fact that the Gerry Foundation may break-ground at any time. Should our mission to "Save the Site" fall to the wayside, shovels may begin to destroy the cultural and historical landmark we have worked so hard to preserve. In spite of the fact that there are much greater issues that have entered into our lives, we must continue to stand strong in our resolve to preserve this National Landmark. To defer any opportunities or to delay the pursuit of every avenue as it becomes available, can only benefit the Gerry Foundation's plans and hamper those of the WPA.
Joann
UPDATE: Application for Nomination to America's 11 Most Endangered Sites for 2003
We have been notified by the National Trust in Washington DC that the judging process for the Endangered List has begun. Our application is currently under review by the first jury. There are three juries involved in this selection process, and our application must meet the qualifications required by each of these juries to proceed with the nomination. Each jury is comprised of members of the National Trust, trustees and volunteers. The announcement of America's 11 Most Endangered List will be made by the National Trust in late May.
UPDATE: National Register of Historic Places
It has been 50 days since the Gerry Foundation received our request for permission to proceed with the application for the National Register. Written requests had been sent to Mr. Alan Gerry and Mr. Jonathon Drapkin, Executive Director. To date, we have not received a reply.
We have had several conversations with Kathleen LaFrank at NYSHPO over the past few weeks, and we have received all pertinent information necessary to complete the application for the National Register. As our intentions are to have the Woodstock Site placed on the Register, receiving approval from the Gerry Foundation is our foremost obstacle. The application will not be accepted without the written approval of the property owner.
We will again be contacting the Gerry Foundation with a subsequent request, including the "Statement of Owner Support" for Alan Gerry's signature.
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UPDATE: Section 106 Review
In our last month's Newsletter we wrote that certified mail has also been sent to Governor Pataki, Senator
Bonacic, Assemblyman Gunther, and to Glenn Pontier requesting disclosure of the sources of the $15 million in state funds allocated for the development of the Bethel Performing Arts Center. If any part of the project involves federal funds, the National Register of Historical Places can review the Gerry Foundation's plans, and mitigate these plans, if they feel the preservation of this site is at risk.
Over the past few weeks, we have spoken to the Governor's Office, and have received replies from Senator Bonacic and Rep. Hinchey. In response to our question, monies provided by Gov. Pataki and Senator Bonacic are entirely funded by the State.
Rep. Hinchey confirmed $180,000 in federal money would be used in the PAC construction. Source being the Economical Development Incentive Program - Housing and Urban Development.
We are still awaiting responses from Assemblyman Gunther and the Gerry Foundation
e.thePeople - Petition
This petition is now concluded. A total of 289 signatures to "Save the Woodstock Site," were submitted to Gov. Pataki, Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen.Charles Schumer on March 10, 2003.
The Revised WPA Website
The entire Website has undergone some changes, from the first page to the last. Our main page contains up-to-the-minute information, and will continue to be edited, as information becomes available. We have added some new links, and our media page is totally redone. Please stop by and see what's new. Invite a friend.
www.thewoodstockspirit.org
What Can You Do To Help?
Our wish is to inform all our members that "things are happening." It's the time to be excited and not intimidated. Please contribute.
Please frequent the Website and pass the information along. Please visit the message board.
Become active - Get involved.
There are a few of us who have been working very hard and "we need you."
Since it's initiation, the WPA has always strived to "make a mark" and get the attention of important people, and organizations, to draw support from those who could help us. We have done this for so long. Now it's Happening.
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