Regulating Outdoor Events?

What kind of regulation should be required for outdoor community events in Putnam Valley? That is the question raised by a new law proposed by the Town Board, which is holding a public hearing on the subject on April 16th at 6pm.

At issue is a proposal unveiled at the March Town Board meeting that would require people to get permits (and insurance) when they want to hold outdoor community events. This permitting process would cover everything from smallish neighborhood events, like block parties and tag sales, to larger festivals like Kingdom Faire, which is already scheduled to host performances at Camp Combe on two weekends in June. The full text of the proposed resolution is below.

In explaining the purpose of the proposed law at the March meeting, Town Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi said there is nothing currently in the Town Code to regulate when and how community events are held and she views that as problematic. This proposed law, she said, "Makes it more transparent and easier for our community members to do such events."

The proposed permitting process means there would be no required public hearings or Planning Board vetting of outdoor events. For groups interested in hosting a neighborhood cook-out or a 5k race, this streamlined process might be welcome. But for neighbors of larger facilities like Camp Combe, the lack of opportunity to express an opinion about a large festival may be less appealing. A one-size-fits-all approach to permitting outdoor events may prove challenging for the town to administer.

Camp Combe on Peekskill Hollow Road, for instance, recently made it clear that it wants to hold 56 events year-round. Its submission to the Planning Department includes adding an amphitheater to seat plus or minus 470 people and 186 parking spots to accommodate large crowds.

While Planning Board members have expressed concern about the environmental impact of this major development, particularly as it relates to parking, the proposed law could result in an organization like Camp Combe winning approval for outdoor events if just three Town Board members agree, with no public hearing. Neighbors of Camp Combe are especially concerned because Kingdom Faire, which holds renaissance festivals, announced in February that the camp site is now its new, permanent home.

As currently written, the proposed law provides no formal definition of what constitutes a community event. The proposed law also contains no information about how much the application or permit fees would be, or how much advance notice of an event would be required. The proposed law does, however, include detailed information about penalties and fines for non-compliance: $500 for the first civil penalty and $1,000 for the first fine. Those both go up to $1,500 and $2,500 for subsequent violations, and can even lead to imprisonment.

Nonprofits would be exempt from paying permit fees, and all events sponsored exclusively by the town can avoid the process altogether.

In an interview, Supervisor Annabi explained that community organizations would not need to seek permits to host outdoor events if those events are consistent with their mission, however, that distinction is not reflected in the current proposal. She said the Town Board would review applications with an eye to public safety and traffic congestion in particular. "It's not really to over-govern, it's just to make sure everyone's safe," Annabi said.

Residents with questions or comments about this proposal can submit them to Supervisor Annabi in writing before the April 16th public hearing or they can attend the hearing in person at 6pm at Town Hall. The next appearance by Camp Combe before the Planning Board is scheduled for April 28th, although there will be no opportunity at that meeting for public comment.

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