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06/20/2006Clover Festival request deniedOfficials object to fencing off Open SpaceTRAVERSE CITY — A Christian music and dance festival will not be granted exclusive use of the Open Space for an August event. The city commission Monday denied a request from the Grand Traverse Educational Foundation to use the bayfront park. The foundation is a funding arm of the local Catholic school system and organizer of the three-day Clover Festival. Several city commissioners said they couldn't support fencing off and charging a $10 or more admission to enter the Open Space. "We call it that for a reason," said Ralph Soffredine. "The people want it that way." The city needs a policy to regulate such uses before it approves the festival's request, which could set precedent for other private groups, according to a recommendation from city employees. "We need to have something else in place before we go down this slippery slope," said city commissioner Deni Scrudato. Festival organizers encouraged the city to consider the event a "pilot program." "We really believe that this is a good opportunity for you to draft policy," said Patrick Heintz, who is working with the festival. Clover Festival officials requested use of the park from Aug. 22-29 to set up, hold and tear down the event. It would feature music and dance stages, fashion shows, church services and Bible study groups. Festival organizers also offered compromises, including: modifying the site plan; reducing the amount of time to prepare and dismantle the area; and pulling back plans to sell beer and wine. Commissioner Matthew Schmidt discussed granting the festival "non-exclusive" permission to use the park. But the city attorney advised the commission to wait for a specific request from the festival before voting on such a motion. See related story:
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