WHITE LAKE — Bethel Supervisor Dan Sturm found agreement from the audience Wednesday when deeming the town's camping ordinance “outdated,” “too strict” and “confusing.”

“I think this is a very good redrafting of codes that were very confusing ... and contradictory,” assessed Bethel resident Jeryl Abramson, who's long bumped up against town regulations when attempting to mount her Woodstock-themed reunion celebrations.

But Abramson, whose for-profit reunions likely will benefit from the rewritten camping rules, wasn't the only complimenter during two public hearings required before the town board formally votes on the revamp.

“It's been a long-anticipated and needed change,” affirmed Susan Harte.

Karen London called it “a really excellent revision,” while Denise Frangipane praised the effort and care that went into its creation.

Nevertheless, most speakers felt tweaks were in order. Abramson argued the size and boundaries of parcels hosting campsites should be more clearly delineated (and perhaps restricted to certain zoning districts, rather than townwide), while Frangipane felt public hearings should be mandatory even on campground permit renewals.

“I think taking public hearings out of the process is a mistake,” she stated.

Enough cogent comments were made that Sturm recognized the need for a bit more work, and the board took no action that evening.

“Based on the comments we've received so far,” he acknowledged, “there are definitely going to be revisions.”

The current text of the draft revisions is available at the town's website: www.town.bethel.ny.us.