Contributed graphic An artist's rendering of the proposed 4000 seat covered performance structure expected to be the hub of a $40 million performing arts center Alan Gerry will build in Bethel. (Click for larger image)

Gerry, Pataki announce $40 million arts center

By DAVID HULSE

BETHEL - After years of waiting and speculation, billionaire Alan Gerry revealed his plans on August 29 for a $40 million performing arts center on his properties at the original 1969 Woodstock concert site.

And with that site as a backdrop, New York Governor George Pataki came to Bethel on Tuesday afternoon to tell an expectant crowd of $15 million in state funding towards the project.

Pataki ($7 million), state Senator John Bonacic ($7 million) and Assemblyman Jacob Gunther ($1 million) all were credited, and in turn credited one another for developing portions of the funding grant, which is expected to fund public infrastructure associated with the project that Bonacic described in a statement as "an outstanding public-private partnership."