Community Corner

Blow Up Michigan Fireworks Law, Troy Residents Say

Residents of Troy added their voices to a chorus of criticism on MoveOn.org petition calling for repeal of Michigan's fireworks law.

TROY, MI β€” Phyl Bieber, of Troy, doesn’t mince words about his opposition to Michigan’s current fireworks law. He believes commercial-grade fireworks were being used in his neighborhood over the Fourth of July holiday and he wants it to stop.

β€œThe β€˜celebration’ in our neighborhood was horrific,” Bieber wrote in a Change.org petition. β€œPLEASE repeal this law IMMEDIATELY. We beg you to return sanity, safety and respect for one another to our lives and our neighborhoods.”

Petitioners cited various problems with the fireworks law, including that it allows an almost nonstop, three-day siege on neighborhood that leaves veterans with post traumatic stress disorder psychologically reeling and pets frightened and quaking in the corner.

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The fireworks tax brought in about $1.6 million in revenue last year, and the state isn’t likely to walk away from it without a battle β€” one the 35,000 people who have signed a petition to repeal Michigan’s fireworks law appear prepared to wage.

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Here’s what some other Troy residents had to say on the MoveOn.org petition site:

Randy Schad: β€œFireworks are a dangerous source of entertainment which are unnecessary as there are so many public professional fireworks all over the state. Also, the noise is a nuisance to those of us who work and have to get up early not to mention the stress on our military members who suffer from PTSD.”

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Sandhu: β€œAirborne fireworks are very loud to the elderly, dangerous for the kids, causes brush fires and can burn personal properties.”

David Figlar: β€œHaven't been able to sleep for weeks. Start at 9pm to after 1am. Started again today at 5am in Troy, MI.”

Amy L Sharpe: β€œThe fireworks have gotten out of hand. Houses are burning down, people are getting hurt, and both veterans and pets suffer. Cities are not able to enforce violations. I do not need to hear fireworks going off every day for over a week.”

Charlene Swan: β€œI am not a fan. I had a teen shoot one off and I felt it pass my ears before popping. I was walking my dogs and they also panicked. We need to find another way to celebrate. The world has changed and people lack the values needed to be respectful and responsible of their neighbors.”

D Akmon: β€œfireworks debris in front yard, back yard ,roof..as well as burn holes on roof &,jacuzzi cover. Whole neighborhood is upset over this display of overkill. for the entertainment of a few.”

Ema Chis: β€œNo more fireworks please!! There isn't enough law enforcement to make sure people stick to the time constraints of the law. Fireworks were lit until 3 am multiple days in a row. Safety and wellbeing of others should be considered. Leave fireworks to the professionals.”

Madeline Abela: β€œI hate fireworks.”

Robin J Akmon: β€œMy yard and park and neighbors was filled with debris that whoever shot them off did not pick up after themselves. My property suffured $400.00 in damages from a burn in my brand new Jacuzzi top. My neighbor was physically hit by one. These powerful fireworks DO NOT BELONG in residential neighborhoods. The fire works were like that of Detroit, Tigers and many big cities. It's unnecessary to have the powerful explosives in our neighborhood. If this law stays put then it needs to be modified for the safety of our neighborhood and our people and our property.”

Comments from this website:https://petitions.moveon.org/s...

Photo by Bertram Nudelbach via Flickr Commons

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