The suit contains a letter from October 2020 from the State DEC saying a permit hasn’t been granted as the request for the stage and attached docks is not consistent with the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan, or LWRP, The letter said the area including the stage not being a water dependent structure, that the event will limit access to the waterfront because it’s a ticketed event, as well as limiting access to water-related activities.

The Chautauqua Lake concert series is currently scheduled to start this Saturday, July 10th.

• VIEW MEETING AGENDA/PREFILE TRANSCRIPTS

One motion involves the recent passage of the the so-called Green Light NY legislation in Albany, which allows non U.S. residents to get a drivers license in New York State. The motion – sponsored by Republican Terry Neibel of Dunkirk – notes that Larry Barmore, county clerk, has expressed his opposition of the state Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act. Last month Barmore questioned its constitutionality and believes the law circumvents federal immigration laws.

In addition, a second motion is being proposed by several legislators who live near Lake Erie opposing the construction of any wind turbine farms on the great lake. The proposed motion notes that recently the state of Ohio has partnered with a business to construct wind turbine along the shore of Lake Erie, which has spawned discussion from lakeside communities in Chautauqua County. The resolution reads that the construction of wind turbines on the lake could negatively impact not just migratory birds, but also impact fishing waters through the destruction of spawning grounds.

If the proposed motions are approved by a majority of the legislature, they will be sent to state officials so they know the county is on record as being opposed to the two issues.

The legislature will also once again discuss the allocation of county bed tax money for the Chautauqua Lake Pops in Mayville. It had already been approved last month but there was an error in how the legislation was written so lawmakers will have to take it up again Wednesday.

Wednesday’s meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the legislature chambers and is open to the public.

Pictured left to right, Mayville Mayor Ken Shearer, County Executive George Borrello, Chautauqua Lake Pops Communications Director Mike Ferguson, and Mayville Trustee Ben Webb.

MAYVILLE – The former Bemus Bay Pops program will be returning as the new Chautauqua Lake Pops in Mayville.

For over 20 years, the Bemus Bay Pops program offered a summer concert series, programs, and special events for local residents and visitors alike.  But the future of the Pops, as well as the floating stage they played upon, was unknown after it was announced in 2018 the venue would be leaving Bemus Point. That changed on Friday, April 12 when organizers announced the floating stage and the Pops would be relocated to Mayville.

“We are excited to bring this great program back to the lake,” explained Chautauqua Lake Pops Chairman and President Dan Dalpra. “Mayville has come forward with an opportunity and partnership to make this happen and we are excited to work with them on creating a revitalized destination. I hope everyone will help us secure the new Chautauqua Lake Pops program and donate to help keep the Pops afloat for years to come. This affordable program of bringing the arts to the people can only work with public and private community support.”

Joining Dalpra and others in making the announcement was Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello.

“I am excited to see the return of the Pops to Chautauqua Lake. Thank you to all of those who worked so diligently to make this a reality and I am happy that the county can play a part in it. The return of this popular program will further enhance the positive momentum we are seeing around Chautauqua Lake and throughout our county,” Borrello explained.

The effort to relocate the Pops received help from both the village of Mayville along with technical assistance and support from the county.

“I am so glad we could play a role in resurrecting the Floating Stage and the Pops venue in Mayville,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development/CEO of the CCIDA. “Once again, Chautauqua County, and especially Mayville, is capitalizing on its wonderful natural assets as we attract people to live, work, conduct business, and recreate here. Ken Shearer and the leadership team in Mayville, along with Dan Dalpra and his team, are to be commended for making this concept a reality.”

Mike Ferguson, Pops Communications Director, said, “We’d like to thank Mayor Shearer and the entire Village Board for their tireless efforts to make this happen. A lot of time, effort and discussion took place to make sure this was the right fit as we knew it would be.”

Organizers of the not-for-profit organization claim it’s been responsible for bringing thousands of hours of regional, national and world-wide entertainment to the shores of Chautauqua Lake on one of the world’s only Floating Stages. They say that economic impact studies have determined that the Pops has generated between $12 to 14 million annually for Chautauqua County in past summers and is poised to do so again.

The Chautauqua Lake Pops will open its season in Mayville on Saturday, June 29 at 8 p.m. with the music of Absolute Journey.

For more information  visit www.chautauqualakepops.com.