Sep 16, 2002 By Paul Sunyak 3 min read

As promised, the Fayette County commissioners have sent a letter to state Sen. Richard A. Kasunic (D-Dunbar) urging him to assist in having the state lift deed restrictions that are prohibitive to developing the Great Meadows Amphitheater site. “The board of commissioners is seeking your help to have the deed restrictions lifted,” wrote Commissioners Vincent A. Vicites, Sean M. Cavanagh and Ronald M. Nehls. “Please consider giving this issue your attention. The leasing of the amphitheater could mean many jobs for our tourism industry as well as many needed dollars in the county’s economy.”

Fayette Films LLC, the only entity to respond to the county’s well-publicized request for proposals for the Wharton Township property, wants to develop a movie-making facility and tourist attraction on the site.

Although the county can lease or sell the 6.1-acre tract on which the 1,200-seat amphitheater sits, its hands are tied when it comes to the 122 acres that surround that core tract. Deed restrictions imposed more than 30 years ago basically limit use of the larger parcel to conservation, preservation and recreation.

State action is needed to have those restrictions lifted. First, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources must approve the move, and then the state House and Senate must vote to make the change.

At the legislative level, Kasunic becomes a key player – if not the key player – in getting the job done. Millionaire philanthropist Robert E. Eberly already has sent Kasunic a letter urging him to “vigorously oppose” the commissioners’ attempt to get the deed restrictions lifted. Kasunic has said he’ll treat Eberly’s letter the same as he would any correspondence from a constituent.

In their letter to Kasunic, the commissioners said they and their predecessors have made many attempts to use the amphitheater over the years, but none have succeeded.

They noted that after 300 letters were sent to organizations across the county in an attempt to market the site, Fayette Films submitted the only response.

“Many have tried and many have failed (to make use of the facility),” wrote the commissioners. “The county has spent thousands of dollars keeping the property in working order.”

The commissioners noted that they are finalizing a lease with Fayette Films, but one of the issues that still needs resolving involves lifting the deed restrictions.

“This restriction prevents the property from being leased or sold unless it is utilized for conservation, historical or recreational uses such as a park,” wrote the commissioners. “This severely limits the use of the property.”

They went on to note that Larry Williamson of the state DCNR has been working with the county to get the restrictions lifted, in a process that will take a long time.

“The county is willing to work out any agreement with DCNR but needs to do this (as soon as possible),” wrote the commissioners, who told Kasunic, “Your attention to this important issue is greatly appreciated.”