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Bethel Woods Breaks Ground
Center for the Arts to open in July 2006BETHEL - Ground was broken today for the $63 million “Bethel Woods Center for the Arts” in Sullivan County, at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Bethel, NY. Funding for the center comes form the Gerry Foundation with $15 million in support from Empire State Development Corporation and other state agencies.
Standing at the lawn area overlooking the site of 4800 - seat covered pavilion, Alan Gerry, founder of Cablevision and president of the Gerry Foundation, Inc. was joined by U.S. Per. Maurice D. Hinchey, New York State Senator John J. Bonacic and Assembly Member Aileen Gunther for the ceremonial groundbreaking. Governor George E. Pataki held a press event at the site earlier in the day.
Work on the facility began last month with the clearing of an access road to the new pavilion. The first phase of construction will include the pavilion, the interpretive center/museum and events gallery, permanent outdoor event structures, parking and infrastructure. Models and renderings of the center were on display.
When the center opens in July 2006, Bethel Woods will feature venues for classical music as well as pop and rock, and an interpretive center/museum recognizing the historic nature of the location. The Woodstock Festival saw 400,000 young people gather for a rock concert unlike any in history - a concert that defined a generation of Americans 35 years ago.
Alan Gerry said, “Today we are beginning construction of a special place that will honor our history, celebrate our future and assist our county and region. In just two years we will be joined by thousands of people as the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts opens. We are grateful for state assistance from Governor George Pataki, State Senator John Bonacic, the late Jake Gunther and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther; and federal support from Rep. Maurice Hinchey. In addition to helping restore Sullivan County as a tourist destination, they know how critical this is in terms of economic development and job creation.”
Governor Pataki said, “ This ground breaking begins to transform a long held vision into the reality of a world class performing arts center and we do so on a site where the foundations is not just concrete but a musical legend. New York State is an enthusiastic partner with Alan Gerry and the Gerry Foundation in creating a campus that will celebrate in perpetuity one of the world’s most important musical destinations. Even today, before the first piece of steel is erected, we recognize that its role in strengthening Sullivan County’s economy will be nothing less than strategic. Yet we also appreciate that what it will bring to the future of the performing arts in New York State will be literally priceless.”
“In saluting Alan Gerry and his incredible efforts to build a stunning performing arts complex on the former Woodstock concert site I also wish to applaud Senator Bonacic and Assemblyman Gunther for their support as we begin this exciting new chapter Bethel’s rich cultural history,” the Govenor added.
Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey said, “I’m thrilled to see work beginning in this exciting project. Bethel Woods will greatly enhance the quality of life in Sullivan, giving the area a first class performing venue. This will be a boon to the county’s economy, making the area a more attractive place to live and to visit. I commend Alan Gerry for his vision and commitment and thank all the community leaders who have helped make this possible.”
State Senator John J. Bonacic said, “The performing arts center will revolutionize tourism in this region. I was pleased to be a part of this project by securing $7 million in state funding. I applaud the Governor for securing an additional $7 million. The real credit, however, goes to Alan Gerry, whose visionary leadership, in countless ways, has made a difference in Sullivan County, and our entire region.”
Assembly Member Aileen Gunther said, “This project is a dream come true for Sullivan County. Alan and Sandra should be congratulated for their vision. This project compliments our hospitality, tourism and small business industries. It also speaks to the way government should work - together.”
The project will preserve the historic site and attract visitors from across the state, nation and world for generations to come. Details are available at the Foundation’s new website: www.bethelwoods.us.
New York State is providing $15 million in aid of which $7 million is through Governor Pataki and $7 million through Senator Bonacic. The late Assemblyman Jacob E. Gunther pledged $1 million, a commitment reaffirmed by his wife, Aileen Gunther. Following permitting and design phases, construction of the facility is estimated to take two years.
The project team includes:
- Owner/Developer - Gerry Foundation, Inc. of Liberty, NY
- Architect - Westlake Reed Leskosky of Cleveland, OH
- Landscape Architect - Olin Partnership of Philadelphia, PA
- Exhibit Designer - Gallagher & Associates of Bethesda, MD
- Program and Operations - Bardavon Opera House of Poughkeepsie, NY
- Program and Operations - House of Blues Concerts Midwest of Cleveland, OH
- Construction Management - Suffolk Construction of Boston, MA
- Project Manager - Zubatkin Associates, Inc. of Somers, NY
- Owner’s Rep. - Morgan Construction Enterprises, Inc. of New York, NY
- Civil Engineer - Clough, Harbour & Associates, LLP of Albany, NY
- Land Use Attorney - Jacobowitz & Gubits, LLP of Walden, NY
The Gerry Foundation and GF Entertainment have staged several “Day in the Garden” concerts during the last two summers, demonstrating that Max Yasgur’s old cornfield is viable for day-long performances attended by 5000 to 30,000 concert-goers. Past events have ranged from 60's-era acts like Pete Townsend, The Beach Boys and Richie Havens to today’s performers like Britney Spears, Reba McEntire and the Goo Goo Dolls.
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