Bethel performing arts district hearing set

By CHRIS CONROY

BETHEL — A public hearing on the proposed local law that would set up the performing arts district in Bethel will be held on May 30. Originally, the hearing was to be held in conjunction with the Gerry Foundation public hearing on May 16.

At the May 10 Town of Bethel Board meeting, a change was made to the proposed local law. That change eliminated an accidental redundancy that would have required double approval for any events held within the proposed district. The board unanimously approved the change.

The change necessitated rescheduling the public hearing to allow interested parties to review the revised copy for the required period of 10 days before the hearing. Because the proposal is a local law, the town board, unlike other plans for the performing arts center which must be dealt with jointly by the town board and the planning board, need only approve it.

If approved, the law would create a performing arts (PA) zoning district. The PA district includes special uses such as concerts and construction of stages that would be required by a performing arts center like the one proposed by the Gerry Foundation. Under the zoning, site plans, special use permits and planning board approval are still required before any event or construction could take place within the district.

The public hearing will be held on May 30 at the Bethel Justice Court at 7:30 p.m. during the rescheduled regular meeting of the town board.