Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Neighbors object to exclusive rental, prompting review of Montcalm County parks ordinance
Summary
Residents urged the county to enforce or revise its parks ordinance after a June 28 full-park rental at McCarthy Park drew concerns about noise, parking, vendors and exclusive use of a public park. Commissioners agreed to form a small committee to meet with event organizers before the next meeting.
Several residents told the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners at its May 27 meeting that a planned June 28 event at McCarthy Park conflicts with the county’s parks ordinance and the longstanding intent of the park as an open public space.
"I would now like to draw your attention to the Montcalm County Parks Ordinance, which is currently not being enforced," said JL, a Greenville resident who identified himself during public comment. He said the group renting McCarthy Park had advertised vendors, amplified sound and performances and asked that the county rescind the exclusive rental for June 28.
Bob Goodenough, who said he lives near McCarthy Park, said the park was intended for families and passersby to use and that exclusive large events would disrupt neighbors. "Limit the number of people who can rent it, limit the number sizes of the groups, keep it small because that's what it was intended for," he said.
Colle…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
