Future of Bethlehem Hills Light Show Uncertain
The Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Show has come and gone for the third year in a row having delighted hundreds of families over the holidays — except some who live nearby.
The Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Show has come and gone for the third year in a row having delighted hundreds of families over the holidays — except some who live nearby.
Located near the manor house on Berkshire Hills Golf Course on Mayfield Road in Munson Township, the show consisted of more than two million lights making up holiday displays for the enjoyment of visitors in vehicles slowly passing through the grounds.
For three years, individuals who live near the intersection of Mayfield and Heath roads have been haranguing Munson Township Trustees, angered by the nightly parades of vehicles, blowing litter, noise and traffic jams from Thanksgiving until New Years.
Joseph and Dawn Bastulli, with a backyard adjacent to the golf course, have been the most vocal. To date, four separate but related lawsuits have been filed.
In a series of township trustee meetings over two years, before filing the first lawsuit, the Bastullis demanded trustees and the zoning inspector enforce the township zoning resolution that may limit golf course uses.
They objected that the township did not follow a section in the zoning resolution that requires 51% of all neighbors within 400 feet of a property for which a conditional use permit or variance has been requested be notified of the proposed change in the property’s usage.
Trustees and township legal counsel came to the conclusion that section is not enforceable.
The Bastullis’ lawsuit specifies a variety of other complaints against trustees, the zoning inspector, the golf course management and owners and the light park, initiated by Walter Miraglia who was managing the course and living in the manor house at the time the light show first opened.
Now it is possible residents’ efforts to put an end to the light show on the golf course will be resolved without further action by township officials.
The Berkshire Hills Golf Course did not operate last year. Besides the light show, the only activity on the property was at the swimming pool, which is permitted under the definition of a golf course.
The golf course, on property zoned for residential use, has existed under a conditional use permit renewed every five years.
The CUP allowing it to operate expired Feb. 1, 2021. To renew it, the owner would have to apply for a renewal of the CUP within 30 days of its expiration. That has not happened.
“No one applied,” said Zoning Inspector Jim Herringshaw in a phone conversation Feb. 19. “They would have to come in and re-up if they want to use it as a golf course.”
In addition, anything like a light show on the seven parcels, zoned for residential use, would need a variance because light shows are not included in the list of things permitted in residential areas, Trustee Andy Bushman said
The Bastullis’ lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio Eastern Division with Judge Christopher Boyko presiding.
Bushman said on Feb. 23, he had not heard a date has been set, but was informed depositions would probably be taken in March.
As of that conversation, he said he has not heard anyone has applied for a CUP for the golf course or a variance for the light show.
In December 2020, the majority owner of Berkshire Hills LLC, Brian Browne, told the Geauga County Maple Leaf he expects to continue with the light show next holiday season, but the location is to be determined.
Joe Bastulli did not respond to an email requesting comment.
