SYRACUSE — Attorneys for both sides in the Boehm v. Oakwood Resorts LLC are finishing up final paperwork regarding a request for an injunction to stop Oakwood from playing music on its outdoor patio. Paperwork is due in Judge Reed’s court by late Wednesday, July 29.
Meanwhile, a gofundme account has been started to raise money in support of the Oakwood resort. Kelsey Johnson, daughter of Bill and Karen Johnson, started the account July 22, and at press time had almost $1,000 pledged by 10 people. The account information has also been shared 24 times on Facebook and Twitter.
Johnson’s family has a long history in Oakwood Park. Her dad grew up spending summers at the lake and both he and her aunt have homes in the park. “It’s definitely a family thing,” she said in a phone interview.
She started the gofundme account as a show of support. “It’s so silly that they are suing over music,” Johnson said. Her family’s summer home is located approximately 350 yards from the hotel and “you can’t hear the music at all,” Johnson said. “Even if you could hear it, it isn’t loud. My mom calls it background music.”
But there is another reason Johnson is concerned. As a 20 year old, there is no place in Syracuse where she and her cousins can hang out and listen to music except Oakwood. Other venues are bars and since she’s still underage, she’s not allowed entrance.
“If they move it (the music) indoors, like The Frog, I’m under age so I can’t go in there,” she said. “We go to the Oakwood all the time. It’s a great location for everybody.”
She is also frustrated by the fact the owners and management of Oakwood have attempted to work with the neighbors who are suing. “They worked with the people. Speakers have been turned toward the wetlands. The music has been turned down and ends at 11 p.m. If anyone should complain, it would be hotel guests,” Johnson said.
“Who can decide who gets to play music and who doesn’t?” she asked.
Johnson stressed she started the account as a way to show support and show the Parent family there is support for what they have done in bringing the Oakwood back to the community. “They’ve done nothing but try to work with everyone,” she said.
As for the plaintiffs, Johnson said, “I don’t think they’ll be happy until the music is brought inside or its stopped and that’s sad.” She explained summers on Lake Wawasee are about relaxing and hanging out. “It’s not about sleeping in. I’m up between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. when I’m at the lake and usually take a nap outside. The lake is about hanging out with your neighbors. It’s not about being in isolation.
“The fact that they took it to a lawsuit is just sad. To go from a phone call to a lawsuit. This is supposed to be a friendly community. Everyone helps out …. The lake like I’ve enjoyed is one where everyone waves (to each other).
Johnson said she thought the lawsuit could have a negative aspect around the community. “If the plaintiffs win, what’s to stop others from complaining about other noise? When do people realize this is absurd?” she asked.
She also hopes the plaintiffs remember the time when Oakwood was closed. “It was horrible. The entire neighborhood seemed empty with all the buildings locked up. It was sad.”