Residents Divided on Ball Park Changes for Professional Baseball

The dispute over whether the city should allow professional baseball to come to Clawson hit the fan at an informational meeting Wednesday night.

About 60 people attended the meeting at , where several residents voiced concerns about minor league baseball games disturbing the peace in neighborhoods near City Park. A handful of residents were in favor of the idea and say it could boost the city's economy.

David Martin, president of Summit Professional Baseball, proposed to invest about for Frontier League games. There would be 48 home games beginning at 6:30 p.m and some Sunday afternoon games. He already owns a team in the league and is searching for a community to host its home games.

"It's like putting Comerica Park in the middle of Clawson," said Maria Sklar who has lived near City Park on West Elmwood for 35 years.

Sklar said she is concerned home values will go down because the noise and lighting from the game will make the area less attractive to buyers.

However, Martin said new technology for lighting and speakers will contain any disruptions to area residents. 

Idea stirs up dispute

The meeting Wednesday night turned heated at times as residents demanded answers from Martin on how he could serve beer at the park. Alcohol is currently prohibited at the park and the nearby Schalm Elementary is a drug free zone.

"I think (beer) is just going to cause more problems," said Jane Murphy who lives on West Elmwood, referring to fans who may become disruptive after drinking.

"It sounds to me that this is going to disrupt our whole park," said Joyce Gleason, a resident on Park Drive. "You've put a commercial thing in a residential area."

Martin said he would purchase a liquor license for the ball park and permitting alcohol at City Park is part of negotiations with the city.

Other issues of concern included traffic, parking around City Park and the city footing the bill for park maintenance.

There are about 600 parking spots available for ball park fans which includes the perimeter of City Park and parking lots at , and and , school board and parks committee member Mike Bosnic said.

But with a ball park that could potentially seat about 2500 people— 1500 hard seats plus berm seating— residents fear the spillover parking spots will end up in their neighborhoods.

Martin said that doesn't have to be the case.

"We would be willing to put up signs in the neighborhood that say 'no parking,'" Martin said.

Martin is also exploring the idea of a shuttle service that transports people from parking lots throughout the city.

He said he is hoping to settle a 10-year lease with the city that would cover all the grounds maintenance at the park. The park would still be public property and open to school athletic teams.  

Residents look at benefits

Resident Scott Watson sees the ball park as a great idea for Clawson because it promotes family fun.

"I really wish people could at least open their minds a little bit and say this has positive aspects," Watson said.

Watson said he has attended Frontier League games for the Traverse City Beach Bums which are "family-oriented and fun for the kids."

Dan Yell, owner of , and the said in addition to more business, the ball park could actually help residents with plummeting home values.

"This investment is going to raise your property values," Yell said at the meeting.

Word didn't spread far

A few attendees also appeared upset at the city's method of informing residents about this proposal. Director Mickey Alderman said city ordinance only requires them to inform residents within 300 feet of the park and about 250 residents received notices in the mail.

"Most people do not know about what your proposing," Murphy said during the meeting. "I think that every resident needs to be informed because you guys are sliding this under the radar."

Resident Janeen Sharpe said she was upset the letter she received from the city didn't mention anything about professional baseball games.

The letter informed residents about the Aug. 23 City Planning Commission public hearing "for the purpose of hearing and considering public comments on a request for special land use approval for upgrades and changes to the existing ball field and recreation areas located at Clawson City Park, 600 W. Elmwood."

"Personally, I’m on the fence," Sharpe said. "I don’t appreciate how the city is handling notification to the community and alcohol served that near the school bothers me."

What's Next?

There will be a public hearing at the City Planning Commission meeting at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at City Hall where residents will again be able to voice opinions. The commission will make a vote on the proposal.

Martin said if he gets approval he hopes to have the park up and running by the 2012 season beginning in May.

"Keep your eyes open, ears wide and consider," Martin said during the meeting. "Please be open to the all-American game."