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Buckeye Lake leaders cite safety concerns after Mopar weekend, consider regulated event options
Summary
Police and village leaders said Mopar weekend drew large crowds and prompted a Route 79 closure for safety; officials urged community input on possible controlled events and said the Events Committee may explore options.
Buckeye Lake officials said on Aug. 12 that safety concerns during the recent Mopar weekend prompted road closures and a discussion about whether the village should pursue a controlled event or car show format.
Police Chief Jason Harget told council the department took a ‘‘zero tolerance’’ approach to unsafe behavior and worked with neighboring jurisdictions to provide visible patrols during the two-day event. "Our goal is not to write tickets," Chief Harget said, noting that officers issued eight tickets across the weekend and that this year’s crowd control was the best he has experienced in four years. He explained the Village closed Route 79 from roughly 8:30–10:30 p.m. on Saturday to help control the crowd.
Councilors and Mayor Linda Goodman said the closure and enforcement were a joint decision by multiple departments and that village leaders do not want anyone to be hurt. "We do not want anyone to get hurt in the village," Goodman said, and suggested the Events Committee consider whether a controlled car show or safe cruise could provide a safer alternative.
Councilor Tom Wolfe and others encouraged community members and car enthusiasts to bring suggestions to committee meetings rather than posting proposals only on social media. Councilor Don Cable said he supported the village’s safety-focused position. Councilor Deb Julian, who worked at the drive-thru during the weekend, asked about the road closure timing and reiterated that councilors’ questioning is part of their oversight role rather than opposition.
The Public Safety Committee reported it may draft an ordinance addressing leg traps and flagged underage golf-cart operation as enforcement concerns; the committee also noted a police-levy discussion overseen by a committee chair.
What’s next: Officials asked residents and event organizers to speak with the Events or Public Safety committees about safety-minded formats; the council suggested continuing the conversation at future committee meetings before drafting formal rules or an ordinance.
