Pubdate: Sat, 28 Jun 2003
Source: Morning Sentinel (ME)
Contact:  2003 Morning Sentinel
Website: http://www.onlinesentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1474
Author: Alan Crowell, Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Hempstock (Hempstock)

STARKS CONCERTS ANNOY NEIGHBORS

STARKS - Despite low attendance and the lack of a permit, the pro-marijuana 
rock concert Freedom Festival went forward last weekend.

While the number of concert goers was down, neighbors still complained that 
loud music kept them up Friday night and in some cases Saturday night as well.

And while recent concerts also organized by Donald Christen have drawn 
fewer ticket holders than hoped, the Madison concert promoter plans two 
more shows this summer and fall.

Christen, who faces $8,700 in costs associated with a long legal fight 
against the town as well as a court order prohibiting him from promoting 
mass gatherings, is going forward with Hempstock and Harvest Fest in August 
and October respectively.

The yearly three-day pro-marijuana rock concerts have been an annual source 
of controversy, at their peak attracting thousands of people and causing 
noise, parking and sanitation issues.

Since the town passed a restrictive new Mass Gathering Ordinance in 2001, 
attendance has dropped because of the ordinance and a heavy police presence.

Christen, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, has said he is 
attempting to meet the requirements of the ordinance but says Starks 
Planning Board members simply don't want to give him a permit.

Last Thursday, however, Superior Court Justice Donald H. Marden sided with 
the planning board, rejecting Christen's last minute appeal of the board's 
May 14 decision not to grant him a permit.

Attorney Kenneth Lexier, who represented the town, said the board had no 
choice but to reject Christen's application because of concerns about the 
water supply and because Christen had no proof of insurance.

Lexier said Christen should apply earlier next time so he would have more 
time to meet the requirements.

"No planning board has the discretion to deny somebody a permit if you meet 
the criteria," he said.

The ordinance places tight restrictions on gatherings of more than 750 
people for more than six hours.

It seems clear that the weekend's concerts did not meet that level.

Harry Brown, owner of the site of the concerts, estimated the peak of last 
weekends attendance at around 300.

"It was not an event of the size that would have made money," said Brown.

He said the event did have "positive energy," however.

But while the attendees were a tiny fraction the crowds of past events when 
over 10,000 people were estimated to be present, it was still too loud for 
some neighbors.

Penny Emerson, who is also a member of the planning board, said loud music 
kept her up after midnight both Friday and Saturday night.

Several other residents who declined to be named said noise was a problem 
Friday night although Saturday night was not as bad.

Emerson said the ongoing concerts disturb the quality of life in the small 
rural town of about 500 people and mar the town's reputation.

"It is just a nice peaceful place and a safe place to be able to raise your 
children," said Emerson. "That is not what people think about when they 
think about Starks, they think about Hempstock or freedom Fest.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom