Island Arts Restrictions Set By Town of North Hero D.R.B.

The North Hero Selectboard needs to understand how important Island Arts activities are to the Islands' economic health as well as the health and enjoyment of the local people. The Islands are very isolated, making it difficult for many Islanders to access music and the arts. There are many elderly here. Many rely on Island Arts for their wonderful classes, concerts and art shows. These activities also provide reasons for tourists to visit our beautiful Island. There have never been any problems in the past with hours or number of activities, and I see no reason why there would be in the future. Please reconsider! It is in everyon's best interests. Let Island Arts, in fact, support Island Arts efforts, which, by the way, are non-profit. Many people have donated a great amount of their time and effort to keep this wonderful, engaging program going. Thanks for listening. Kathie Dustira, former N. Hero Selectboard Clerk and Island Arts Board Member

Thank you for supporting this huge cultural and economic contribution to the N Hero Community!

It is art and culture brought to our remote islands and important to keep our community thriving. No good can come of depriving islanders of these wonderful events, limiting the size and the time of events.

Island Arts has been a great venue for artists. Why curtail such success in any way? Keep Island Arts going on as usual,

Get with it people!!!Most place's can go until at least 10 pm or midnight. You are not being reasonable!!

It is indeed vital that the Island Arts' board of directors be allowed to continue setting the number and size of their events and their hours of operations as it has done for the past 30 years for the enjoyment of all. Katya Wilcox, president of Island Arts, for the board of directors - Grand Isle County, Vermont

Island Arts adds a meaningful dimension to life in the Champlain Islands and North Hero. To restrict their offerings to the community it serves and is supported by is indefensible.

It is profound to think that the DRB would even consider a 7:00 P.M curfew and restrict all the wonderful programs that Island Arts has been providing over so many years. You are hampering a fine organization as well as taking away so many opportunities for the community.

North Hero has been fortunate to have Island Arts, a vibrant cultural arts organization, providing enriching programs for the community for over 30 years. It is absolutely imperative that Island Arts be permitted to hold evening performances at the Homer Knight Barn. The decision of the Development Review Board must be reconsidered and overturned.

I support Island Arts, and agree that the organization would be severely hamstrung by the implementation of a 7:00 curfew. I hope the DRB will be open to feedback and reconsider this decision.

As a former board member, Island Arts provides a crucial component of the arts in the Islands as well as for those living further afield. A 10 pm curfew for activities does not seem like an unreasonable request. Please extend your allotted time requirements. Thank you. Betty Ellis

The 7 PM restriction seems severe, especially during the long days of the summer months. Even in a more densely populated area like Burlington quite time begins at 10 PM. Please reconsider.

I am new to North Hero, but fully support the mission of Island Arts.

This is for the community to have a place to go and enjoy events as a family or alone. Here on the islands without having to leave the islands. It can't have an 8pm bedtime it just doesn't work

Should be able to enjoy until 10 p.m. The barn is isolated and events are not loud and rowdy.

I

Island Arts enriches our community, it is crucial that the Islands support them, especially as the arts and humanities are so jeopardized by this present administration

I support all the good work Island Arts is doing and support this petition.

Though I am an Alburgh resident, I am an active Island Arts Member and Grand Isle County enthusiast. I support this petition because I know that North Hero, specifically, and the whole of Vermont prospers from Island Arts' programs. Any impediments to Island Arts' and its Board's activities should be minimized or eliminated so that more, not fewer citizens and taxpayers will benefit. People need more Island Arts, not less. Thank you, All.

The North Hero DRB did a great job on Island Arts permit except for the limitations on the frequency and times for events. They need expanding.