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Vernon Citizens For Responsible Development |
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Next Newsletter January 30, 2010 |
Introducing VCRD
The effort to protect our neighborhoods by opposing TicketNetwork's application for a concert venue on South Frontage Road has moved into a new phase. From individuals working primarily on our own we have come together to form a new group, Vernon Citizens For Responsible Development (VCRD), to coordinate efforts, raise funds and present a united front at the hearings. The fourth and fifth Planning & Zoning Committee hearings on TicketNetwork's application will be held next Wednesday, February 3 and Thursday, February 4. See below for details. So far it has not been a level playing field with a concerned group of neighbors working to stop a well financed business backed by a team of lawyers and paid experts. We need some professional support, but time is short. Your help will make the difference in a number of ways that are spelled out in the following sections. With the coming together of our group we also have a new website that represents the group as a whole. The website, VernonCRD.org, contains most of the material and reference links from the old website plus a few new features. We'll send out another newsletters when details of next week's meetings are available and provide any other updates. You are encouraged to forward this to friends and neighbors. Also check our website regularly. Important information and updates will be highlighted in the box at the top. If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you'd like to be on our email list send name and street to info@VernonCRD.org. The newsletter will also be posted on the website. Two Hearings Next Week
We have a double header coming up on Wednesday, February 3 and Thursday, February 4. In order to move this along the PZC set a special session for February 3. TicketNetwork was directed to wrap it up on that date. If they don't filibuster we will begin Public Input. The regular session on February 4 will be primarily Public Input, definitely a date to be there to show support. At the January 21 hearing TicketNetwork's Donald Vaccaro completed his presentation, then their attorney talked again about traffic and finally their acoustics consultant made his presentation. His conclusion was that the nearest neighbors would not be able to hear the music above the background sound of highway traffic. There was much skepticism as the police received a number of noise complaints and finally asked them to stop. Read the Journal Inquirer and Reminder News articles on the hearing. There was again standing room only even at the larger Senior Center. Since there were flaws in the traffic report, data was collected last weekend on Bolton Road and Tunnel Road traffic. The results may be presented on February 3. There may also be presentations on environmental issues and onsite security. As a show of solidarity we're suggesting that supporters wear a white top - sweater, blouse or shirt. It appears that both hearings will begin at 7 p.m. and take place at the Senior Center once again. As agendas have not yet been posted please check our website before the meeting to be sure. Donations Needed
TicketNetwork has a top legal team, hired experts to support their application and 200 employees available. We are volunteers who care passionately about our neighborhoods and way of life, but need your financial support for our own legal fund. You've asked how you can help. You can support us now financially. How much should you give? How much is your peace of mind worth to you? We have one opportunity to stop this. You can make donations two ways: 1- Contribute online at our VCRD Donation website. 2- Send your check made out to 'Ron Burke'. Write 'for VCRD' on the memo line and on the back write 'for deposit only'. Thanks from all of your neighbors who share your vision of Vernon. Send A Written Message Of Support
Rather than signing a petition we're asking that our supporters send the town individual messages indicating their opposition to TicketMaster's application. This can be done one of three ways. Please choose only one, duplications are not allowed. 1- Sign online at VCRD Form. The form will be automatically forwarded. 2- Print out the printed form and bring it with you to the hearing next week where we will collect and submit them together. 3- If you can't make the meeting print out the printed form, fill out and mail to: Reference Documents
We've collected a lot of information relative to the Concert Venue issue - some specific to the issue and some generally relating to Vernon ordinances and regulations. On our Reference Documents page you'll find:
We encourage you to become familiar with the details of the issue and our town laws. Facebook Conversation
The conversation on our Facebook site gets a little rough at times but is interesting. It is a place where you can express your ideas and feelings and read what others think. It's one way we communicate today, particularly younger people. And its a way to learn what your kids and area teens think about a concert venue in town. We also want to note that TicketNetwork has not one but two Facebook pages. One for the venue and another in favor of it. You'll find the pages at The TicketNetwork Forest and I Support the Outdoor Venue for Vernon. Feel free to jump in.
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