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Buckeye Lake council debates response to unpermitted MOPAR car gatherings amid safety concerns
Summary
Councilors and the mayor discussed safety, enforcement and communication options after recurring unpermitted MOPAR gatherings damaged streets and strained resources; police chief warned a refusal to allow the event would require extra personnel and traffic control.
Councilors and village officials on July 8 discussed how to respond to recurring unpermitted MOPAR car gatherings that the administration and safety chiefs say previously damaged streets and created hazards.
Mayor Linda Goodman told the council that both chiefs and the public service director asked the village not to host the event this year because "the safety issues grow larger each year" and that businesses have also raised concerns. "We are about having fun but it is a safety issue of someone getting hurt or killed," Goodman said.
Councilors debated options. Councilor Don Cable said the raceway should not advertise that people come to Buckeye Lake for the event: "They have no right to say that." Councilor Tom Wolfe suggested limiting risky activities rather than attempting an outright ban: "What if no burnouts allowed and it was more like a parade — is that an issue?" Officials discussed the option of an organized car show with registration and traffic controls to provide a safer alternative.
Police Chief Jason Harget cautioned that if the village publicly refuses the event, "we need to bring in more personnel and manpower to help us out. If we do not want it, we need ways to block it off and detour around the village. I think the cars will still be here and there will still be issues and there will need to be advertising and strong messaging." The council noted that preventing unpermitted gatherings could require detours and extra staffing and that enforcement may pose logistical and budgetary challenges.
Councilor Deb Julian and others said businesses reported harm from prior events and that uncontrolled gatherings had interfered with residents’ ability to access neighborhoods. Councilor Julian suggested contacting neighboring municipalities about their approaches; Mayor Goodman recommended reaching out to the City of Heath for guidance on how the city stopped similar activity.
No formal ordinance or ban was adopted at the July 8 meeting. Council discussed short-term actions including stronger messaging, contacting event organizers and the raceway, and directing staff to plan a possible organized, registered car show through the events committee. The mayor said the administration will aim to make a public statement no later than next week if the village will not recognize the event as official.
