Blast on the Beach location leads to debate at meeting

Town Park or Woodlawn Beach State Park. Those are the two possible answers to the question about where “Blast on the Beach” should be held in 2012?

During Monday’s (Jan. 23) Hamburg Town Board meeting, both sides were argued to the board about why the annual event, which has been held at Town Park since its inception, should consider staying or moving to Woodlawn, which the Town of Hamburg assumed control of from the state in 2011.

Peter Reszka, who is the chairman of the Town of Hamburg Planning Board, believes it would benefit the event to move it to Woodlawn.

“We now have a choice,” said Reszka, noting he believes a change in venue could attract more people to the event.

“It must be moved.” he said.

“Blast on the Beach” is touted as an alcohol-free event, and Laura Hahn, chairman of the Rejuvenation Committee, which coordinates the event each year, has stated her concern that alcohol would be allowed if the event were to move to Woodlawn Beach.

However, Reska said he does not agree with the notion that “Blast on the Beach” has been an alcohol-free event in the past. He told the board if you look in garbage cans following the annual event, which takes place in July, that containers for alcoholic products are found.

Reszka also voiced concern over about parking at Town Park, as there is limited parking and shuttles have to be used to pick up many festival goers. He thinks Woodlawn Beach offers a greater facility and better parking options.

“The amount of parking (at Woodlawn) is exceptional,” said Reszka, who referred to the facilities at Town Park as “substandard.”

“A move would enhance the event,” Reszka said.

Hahn told the board she is not opposed to Woodlawn and does not want to see this become Town Park versus Woodlawn Beach.

“This shouldn’t pit neighborhood against neighborhood. Woodlawn Beach is a beautiful beach on its own merit,” said Hahn. “Get your own event. It’s not a problem.”

Town Supervisor Steven Walters agreed with Hahn that this is not an issue of pitting the two parks against each other.

Hahn said overall, residents in Mt. Vernon and Locksley Park are supportive of the event.

Reszka had also said by moving it to Woodlawn, this could open the possibility of opening up the event to more people.

But Hahn said “Blast on the Beach” is not intended to attract people outside of the community.

“The event is for town residents,” said Hahn, adding that Town Park is for Hamburg residents and a parking permit is needed in order to go to the beach.

Another issue which Reszka raised was his concern about people crossing Route 5.

“Locksley Park has worked very hard to work on issues throughout the year,” said Hahn, who is president of the Locksley Taxpayers Association.

She asked Town of Hamburg Police Chief Michael Williams if there has ever been a fatality during “Blast on the Beach?”

He told the board there never has been a fatality.

She said Reszka had some valid concerns, but added it is important that the two sides “work with each other” to come to an agreement.

The Hamburg Town Board will next meet on Monday, Feb. 13. There is a work session at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.