Camp Bisco 2015 Return in Doubt Over Safety, Drug Concerns

Fans were hoping that the controversial jam and electronic update New York music festival, Camp Bisco, was going to make its triumphant return to Mariaville in 2015 after being denied permits in 2014. That appears to be in jeopardy as recent developments at the local level of government have put organizers on the back foot even after they were granted some permits to go ahead with this year. The primary concerns presented by officials are whether or not plans put forth by new festival organizers will do enough to address safety and drug issues that have plagued the event in the past.

There is still litigation outstanding against the previous festival owners and the county over a 2012 incident that left a Schenectady woman in a coma. According to the lawsuit, Heather Bynum suffered a massive seizure and fell into a coma after the event because emergency responders took too long to get to her. As a result, the town is looking for the festival to take out a much higher insurance rate.

"The application that was submitted presented concerns around traffic and around emergency evacuations," said County Attorney Chris Gardner via The Daily Gazette. "And there is concern about what in the past has been open drug dealing at Camp Bisco, so we are seeking a police presence within the festival grounds to deter that and reduce it significantly, and we're asking for a higher insurance rate because of the issues that arose in 2012."

The festival, over its 7-year run, was held at Indian Lookout Country club, a 200-acre venue. The land is owner by Frank Potter and Ken Hays, who founded Gathering of the Vibes nearly 20 years ago and who took over the festival from MCP Presents after the 2014 cancellation.

"Safety is paramount to all parties involved," said Hays, the new organizer who brought Gathering of the Vibes to Mariaville in the early 2000s. "We have contracted with Albany Medical Center to have a minimum of three physicians on site and to have an on-site field hospital. We've gone far beyond the state-required regulations as they apply to emergency management and keeping everyone safe."

Not everyone agrees. County officials contend that Hays and Potter's plans do not address the issue of drug use enough and potential traffic congestion for emergency vehicles that might need to access the site quickly. They also criticize the lack of a shelter for extreme weather.

Sherriff Dominic Dagostino outlined in detail his concerns in a 22-page denial.

"Camp Bisco has failed to create a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use in the past," he wrote, "and the applicant has not provided any evidence that the proposed 2015 event would mitigate this very serious issue which imperils the health and welfare of the residents and visitors of Schenectady County."

County officials say Hays can resubmit his application, but he must meet new contractual obligations with the police. Officials want to have at least 20 officials for traffic control, drug sniffing dogs at the entrance and on the property and 50 officers stationed throughout the grounds 24 hours a day.

The new obligations may prove to be too onerous for Potter and Hays who pride themselves on having a relaxed festival atmosphere. There is not much time to plan out a summer festival, so we will see how this plays out in the coming month.