Woodstock scrapped a contentious proposal that would have limited some outdoor musical performances because they’re too noisy, ending a debate that carved deep divisions in a community known for its vibrant artistic culture.
The ordinance, which had been set for a discussion and possible vote at Tuesday’s town board meeting, was removed from the agenda and won’t return, Town Supervisor Bill McKenna said in an interview on Monday. Noise will instead be regulated by a 2018 ordinance and a 1989 zoning law.
The move came in part because of “ambivalence with the board,” McKenna said. “I’m not getting a sense that they’re for or against anything or taking a stand.”
The proposal, which incorporated parts of the previous rules, would have spelled out days, hours, and decibel levels for outdoor concerts and events. Outdoor events were to be limited to a maximum of 70 decibels, for example.
The prior guidelines also included bans on “unnecessary, disturbing and excessive” noise without going into detail.
Critics said the proposal would have unfairly restricted performances central to the town’s artistic identity.
“Any legislation to try to restrict and diminish the capacity to create art, especially in an artist community, there’s no place for it,” said James Orr, a second-generation Woodstock musician.
Supporters said such concern was overblown.
“There’s been give and take on both sides,” said Kristen Noel, a two-decade Woodstock resident who helped draft this year’s rule. “We’re legitimizing outdoor music.”
Noise complaints have increased since Woodstock loosened limits on outdoor music at the height of the pandemic. McKenna created a group in 2023 to propose a solution two years ago, enlisting people on both sides of the issue.
Also involved in the discussions was Police Chief Clayton Keefe, who said he would work with the community and deliver warnings to first-time offenders. Decibel readings will be sent to a zoning enforcement officer and building inspector. “We are all there to work with the music industry,” Keefe said.
The next steps aren’t clear. Reverting to existing laws that don’t provide clear guidance, isn’t a solution, said Anula Courtis, a town board member.
“What we need is a fair and enforceable ordinance that reflects the unique rhythms of life in Woodstock, one that safeguards both quality of life and artistic expression,” she said.
Still, the work that went into the now-shelved proposal shows that the community can pull together.
“We felt we were really working together to do something that would give everybody something and would allow some music, allow for some peace and quiet, and be good for the community,” said musician Julie Last, another member of the group that drafted the plan.
“Maybe in the future it may be a more conducive environment to push it through again,” she said.
Amy Wu is a reporter covering Woodstock and Saugerties. Send correspondence to amy@theoverlooknews.com.
