06/19/2006

News in brief

Officials against exclusive use of park

TRAVERSE CITY — City administrators recommended a Christian music and dance festival not be allowed exclusive use of the city's Open Space for an August event.

Organizers of the Clover Festival want to use part of the city bayfront park from Aug. 22-29 and would charge a fee to attend the event enclosed in a gated area. The city commission is scheduled to consider the request at today's 7 p.m. meeting.

Public services director Robert Cole told commissioners in a memorandum that city administrators are concerned the festival's request could set a "precedent" for other groups who might want to use the area for private purposes.

"We should have policy in place to assist us in dealing with these requests before granting any approvals," wrote Cole.

Patrick Heintz, a local attorney who's working with the festival, told city commissioners in a letter that his group is willing to modify its plan to address "items of concern." Heintz suggested the city consider the Clover Festival as a "pilot program" and a chance to develop guidelines for similar requests.

Cole said city administrators could support the request if the festival did not charge an admission fee and followed city policy.

See related story:

• Festival eyes Open Space - June 14, 2006

See related editorial:

• City must craft a parks-use policy for Open Space - June 24, 2006