Valley News – Woodstock Village adopts ordinance regulating use of public spaces

WOODSTOCK VILLAGE – Residents voted during a special town meeting Tuesday evening to enforce a new ordinance governing the use of public spaces in Woodstock Village, including the Village Green.

There were 62 residents who voted against repealing the ordinance, while 13 voted in favor of reversing it at a floor meeting, according to results from Woodstock Village Clerk Don Wheeler. There are 881 voters on Woodstock Village’s checklist. Only those who live in Woodstock Village could vote at the meeting.

As a result of the vote, the new policy will take effect immediately, according to an announcement Wednesday morning by the city.

The ordinance calls for limiting the number of private parties on the Village Green, located in the center of downtown Woodstock, to 12 times a year. It also provides a framework for leasing the Gore, a grassy area located across from the nearby Norman Williams Public Library, to Woodstock nonprofits.

Before the new ordinance, the Village Trustees had discretion to allow private events on the Green and there were no limits on the number of such events they could approve per year. All organizations and people wishing to use the Green or the Gore must still apply for a permit which the Village Trustees can approve or deny.

The Village Trustees – who govern Woodstock Village – unanimously approved the ordinance in March.

After approval by the trustees, village resident Elisa Tarlow led a petition drive to gather enough signatures to force a special town meeting. In an earlier interview, Tarlow said she wanted private events banned from the Green.

More information about the ordinance can be found online at: townofwoodstock.org/government/village-ordinances.

Liz Sauchelli can be reached at [email protected] or 603-727-3221.