By Nathan Mayberg
KAUNEONGA LAKE — August 13, 2004 – The 35th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival received official Town of Bethel Planning Board approval Tuesday night at the Senior Center in Kauneonga Lake.
Through a unanimous vote, Yasgur Road Productions, LLC., better known as Bethel residents Roy Howard and Jeryl Abramson, received a special permit to hold a three-day anniversary concert August 20-22 at Max Yasgur’s old farm on Yasgur Road in Bethel.
The permit is loaded with special conditions, including restrictions on camping and fireworks. The organizers are required to hire security and purchase an insurance policy that will cover both YRP and the town.
Town Attorney Robert McEwan said the board was most interested in seeing the group’s insurance policy. Abramson pledged to have a copy of it by Tuesday.
The parties agreed to shut down the show each night at 4 a.m., and resume at 7 a.m. McEwan said that violations of the special use permit could result in further court action.
A permanent injunction has been issued against the organizers from holding any concert since 1998, but every year there has been another concert on the couple’s Bethel property, said McEwan.
However, due to the issuance of the special permit, McEwan appeared in front of New York State Supreme Court Justice Nicholas Clemente in Monticello to lift a temporary restraining order against the organizers. The restraining order was issued last week to stop YRP from selling tickets and advertising.
By lifting the restraining order, McEwan said the group could resume their activities, and will not be in violation of the injunction.
The decision to approve this year’s concert was announced after an executive session meeting which included Town of Bethel Supervisor Vicky Simpson.
For nearly 10 years, the 1969 Woodstock festival has been celebrated at Yasgur’s homestead. Thousands of people have attended every year.
This year, the headlining acts will include the Steve Kimock Band and original Woodstock performer Country Joe MacDonald. Tickets are on sale at jambasetickets.com for $40. Tickets will be available for $50 at the event.
“I hope the process is a lot easier next year,” said McEwan.