Dear Scenic Hudson Member,

Let's keep University Settlement Camp in Beacon

For nearly a century, the University Settlement Camp in Beacon brought New York City kids to a residential camp along 9D in Beacon. It's a beautiful wooded property with Mount Beacon as its backdrop. The camp is popular with many Beacon groups such as the Beacon Community Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, which use the Olympic-size swimming pool there. It also is popular with individual residents, who can enjoy the pool on weekends.

Sale of camp threatens loss of community asset

But this doesn't need to happen. In fact, Scenic Hudson has worked with the camp and City of Beacon to make the camp an ever-greater community resource.

Scenic Hudson spearheaded a deal that will allow the city to buy the camp and its 50 prime acres for only $550,000. What a deal ...  the city getting a large farmhouse, seasonal cottages, gym, crafts building, charming theater, and that fantastic swimming pool.

Your support needed at TWO upcoming meetings

The city council is expected to approve the deal. However, there may well be people for whom taxes are a hot-button issue who fail to appreciate this amazing, long-term value  --  and they may be vocal.

We need you to stand up for what can be a real treasure for the city.

Meeting One:

WHAT: City Council Workshop on University Settlement Camp purchase
WHEN: Monday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m.
WHERE: 1 Municipal Center

While public comment is not planned, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the camp purchase and just showing up demonstrates support.

Meeting Two:

WHAT: City Council Vote on University Settlement Camp purchase
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 4 (day after Labor Day) at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: 1 Municipal Center

This meeting will provide for public comment. It's very important to have a turnout at this one.

Without a doubt, this is a great deal for Beacon. Show your support for ever-better quality of life in Beacon. We hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

Ned Sullivan
President
Scenic Hudson

PS: If you can't make the meetings -- or even if you can -- please call the mayor and your city council member to communicate your support. The city Web site, www.cityofbeacon.org provides contact information for these officials. Under "City Services" click the sixth bullet for "Council, Committees & Boards" and then click the first bullet for "City Council."