The third annual Meadowlark festival, a three-day music fest and a craft fair to support local farmers, was debated at Marbletown’s last planning board meeting.

One concerned citizen said that the genres of music that would be played at the event would produce an “unavoidable infliction of music on people outside the perimeter” of the event space. He specifically mentioned electric bass and guitar expected at the (mostly) rock festival. But Planning Board Chair Max Stratton responded that decibel levels were the same no matter the genre of music played.

The applicant, Elizabeth Ryan of Stone Ridge Orchard, added that the organizers have learned from previous experience and the speakers are now oriented in a new direction to avoid this problem.

Two logistical issues were discussed: water supply and emergency vehicle road access.

Elizabeth Ryan said the water supply at the orchard is “potable and in good supply.” However, plastic bottled water will be available as usual at outdoor gatherings of this kind. No shortage of drinking water should occur.

Work to improve access to the main festival area is ongoing and is expected to be completed before the event. This will include some brush clearance and roadwork. The applicant noted that the road already exists, it’s just a matter of minor improvements and upgrades.

The board set approval for the August 26 meeting, contingent on the road work being completed.

A second application for overnight camping during the three-day festival was withdrawn. If all goes well, the event will be held at Stone Ridge Orchards, Sept 13-15.