We've confirmed that Zena Development will be the third application on the Feb. 20 agenda for Woodstock's Planning Board. There will NOT be a public hearing portion during next week's meeting, but we will learn exactly what the developers are requesting from Woodstock.
We need to fill the seats with a silent, respectful group of concerned citizens who can show the Planning Board we are paying close attention to this request. Please do not bring signs. Please do not yell out, boo or act in a disrespectful way toward either the presenters or the members. We want to show the volunteers who serve on the Planning Board that we respect the process but want the opportunity in a subsequent meeting to make our opposition clear.
What else can you do to show your opposition to the proposed widening and lengthening of Eastwoods Drive to build a large number of luxury homes in the Town of Ulster?
The most important thing you can do in the next two weeks is to review our town hall video (if you were not able to join us last week) and get up to speed on the current proposal. If there's a particular aspect of the proposed widening and lengthening of Eastwoods Drive that concerns you, let your community know by drafting a letter to the editor and distributing it to local publications.
Need help composing a letter that gets your point across in a succinct way? Email Gail Albert here and put "Letter to the Editor" in your subject line. Gail is a member of the Stop Zena Development coalition, a fellow Woodstocker and an author. She's ready to help you.
Please send a copy of the letter to members of the Woodstock Planning Board as well. Both Hudson Valley One and The Daily Freeman accept letters to the editor, and your letter can be emailed to the Planning Board as well. Don't assume the Planning Board members will see your letter in a publication.
What else can you do to help us protect more than 600 acres of forest?
Save May 3 on your calendar and attend our "May the Forest be with You" fundraiser. We have spent significant funds for legal expenses to oppose Zena Development, and we know we will need more to continue the fight. Please spread the word and bring your friends, family members and neighbors to our block party. We will be sending out more information in the coming weeks, but mark off 2-6 p.m. for an afternoon of live music, food, drinks and fun.
Would you or your business like to sponsor our May 3 event? We need sponsors to help defray the costs of the event, so all donations can assist the coalition with opposing Zena Development's multiple requests in both Woodstock and Ulster. Email us for details on sponsorship levels.
Volunteer to help plan "May the Forest be with You" and/or help us during the event. This will be our third fundraiser in two years. We've learned the more hands available to help before and during the event make a big difference in its success. Email us here if you'd like to give us a hand and make this our most successful fundraiser!
Finally, if you know someone who would like to get engaged but also missed the town hall, forward this email to them or encourage them to visit our website at StopZenaDevelopment.org to watch it and learn how they can help us save this important area.