NAC Update
LENOX, MASSACHUSETTS
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
May 8, 2004
| Return to Current NAC Updates | Return to NAC Home Page |
| View the NAC Advisory of March 31, 2004 |
| View this success at NAC's Local Issues (includes modified text of the bylaw) |
**********************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
UPDATE
**********************************************************************
http://www.naturistsociety.com/NAC/
**********************************************************************
DATE: May 8, 2004
SUBJECT: Lenox, Massachusetts
TO: All Naturists
Dear Naturist,
The Naturist Action Committee is pleased to inform you of our success in
modifying a proposed local ordinance in the Town of Lenox,
Massachusetts. A small but significant change to the wording of the new
law was proposed by NAC and was approved by the citizens of Lenox in a
town meeting on Thursday, May 6. The change to the wording greatly
diminishes the chance that the bylaw will be interpreted in a manner
unfavorable to naturists.
THE BYLAW
The proposed bylaw was detailed in a NAC Advisory on this topic issued
previously [March 31, 2004]. Briefly, the Lenox planning board sought
to strengthen its ability to regulate and zone adult businesses by
means of a new ordinance. The Naturist Action Committee took action
when it became apparent that certain aspects of the proposal could have
a negative impact on naturist activities and venues
NAC TOOK ACTION IN LENOX
NAC Area Representative Phil Markham worked behind the scenes, digging
out information and developing analyses of the situation. Phil also
maintained a valuable and very visible naturist presence at meetings of
the planning board. NAC Area Rep (and board member-elect) George Winlock
provided additional assistance. NAC board member Morley Schloss
coordinated the entire effort and was personally involved in lining up
support among non-naturists within the town.
When it became appropriate, the Naturist Action Committee retained a
local attorney to assist its efforts. Through its attorney, NAC secured
the cooperation of local officials. At the town meeting on May 6, the
NAC-initiated revision to the proposed bylaw was actually offered by
the Chair of the Lenox Selectboard. Another selectboard member seconded
the amendment, and the Town Attorney endorsed it. The revision was
accepted unanimously by the citizens in attendance, and the amended
bylaw was adopted.
It is significant to note that the success in Lenox came without
settling for an exemption for nudist clubs. In fact, Lenox serves as an
example of a situation in which such an exemption would have been
meaningless.
THE 2004 EASTERN NATURIST GATHERING
Eastover Resort in Lenox is the host of the 2004 Eastern Naturist
Gathering. This year's event takes place June 21-27. Eastover is a
clothed resort 51 weeks of the year.
The 2004 Eastern Naturist Gathering was never at risk. Informal
assurances had protected this year's event. NAC's success in modifying
the ordinance allows naturists to be assured that future protections
won't have to rely on informal promises.
WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING?
This is an Update. NAC is not asking you to take any action at this
time. If you have been looking forward to attending this year's Eastern
Naturist Gathering, NAC encourages you to make your reservation now and
plan to enjoy a wonderful time at Eastover.
HELP NAC HELP NATURISTS
As the volunteer nonprofit adjunct to The Naturist Society, the Naturist
Action Committee is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights of
naturists throughout North America. NAC has no membership roster on
which it can assess dues; it relies exclusively on voluntary donations
from concerned naturists who judge NAC's performance and support it
accordingly.
NAC's expenses on behalf of naturists (like the attorney's fee in Lenox)
are made possible by the generosity of people like you. Won't you please
take this opportunity to help? Send your contribution of any size to:
NAC
P.O. Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230, Monday through Friday, 9AM-4PM Central
Time.
Thank you for helping to make a difference!
Naturally,
Bob Morton
Executive Director
Naturist Action Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - <ctnudists@aol.com>
Board Member Morley Schloss - <morleynaturist@hotmail.com>
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - <naturist@sunclad.com>
---------------------------------------------------------------
| Top | Return to Current NAC Updates | Return to NAC Home Page |