You can mark your calenders for the Lions Club Jubilee this July, but you might want to hold off for next year.
Bud Rossman, who owns a building in downtown Lake Orion, presented petitions signed by 50 people to the village council on March 4. The petitions requested the village council ban future carnivals in the village.
The petitions, gathered last July, were signed by 14 people with businesses in the downtown area. (A number of businesses had more than one signature for the address.)
Twenty six of the signatures were from residents — 23 of which are located outside of the village.
According to Rossman, the primary complaint of the petitioners is downtown businesses suffer because roads are closed.
“There’s no place to park. Business people have rights too. Shutting down the village is just too much,” he said.
Rossman also claims vibrations from the carnival equipment damage the roads and building foundations.
“I understand how merchants feel, but others do profit. Restaurants and bars do fine,” councilman Bill Siver said.
Village council president Tom Albert suggested that a survey of the businesses and residents be done after the carnival ends this year.
Lions Club member Ken Van Portfliet, who is in charge of this year’s event scheduled for July 2-5, told council members he would be glad to do a survey.
It’s estimated that over 50,000 people attended last year’s carnival.
“All dollars go back to the community — food baskets, bikes, eyeglasses,” Van Portfliet said. “I was around (the carnival area) last year and heard no comments from any business owner.”
Councilman Harry Stephen pointed out that although a public hearing was scheduled on March 4 for this year’s event, no resident or business owner showed up to talk except Rossman.
The only problem council members had with the Lions application was a request for exclusive use of Children’s Park on South Broadway.
“I don’t think that’s appropriate,” Stephen said.
Van Portfliets said the request for the park is just a strategy. This actually keeps the park open. It prevents people from setting up to sell any items. There’s no barriers.
“We reserve areas there for other non-profits groups. The Baptist Church was there last year giving out items.”
When asked about crime activity ,LO Police Chief Jerry Narsh told council members the event has been getting quieter every year since the beer tent was eliminated
“It’s become a family event. Complaints are low,” he added.