This is very unfortunate. The little city with the big heart couldn't open up to a new opportunity...? I hope existing businesses can continue to thrive with the status quo.

Hey Clawsonites...want to know why you are not involved in all the city decisions....ummmm read article above! I'm sure we could have come to some reasonable agreements, but nope we smashed as quick as it came up. Too bad!

That is too bad...what a great opportunity that would have been for the city! I wish they would look at Madison Heights. We have a great Baseball Complex here!

Very unfortunate.

City with a big heart but very small minded!!!! What a shame for our wonderful city.
We have missed so many boats...how long before we sink? Thank you to the ugly hearted citizens!!!!!

Just another case of why I have to spend my money in other cities because mine doesn't want it bad enough yet. Although, now that needed renovations have been mentioned, I have no doubt that we will propose a millage in the near future because we blew yet another opportunity.

ugh!

He couldn't wait another month just to have it thrown back in his face. The problem was He really wasn't ready and I don't blame the commission for tabling it. Too many unanswered questions. Might of been really cool. we will never know.

Unfortunate.

Unbelieveable. This was a golden opportunity for the city. Clawson leadership wants the city to grow, yet continues to make it so difficult for new businesses to come here. Minor league baseball is a wonderful sport and is great for the communities which host teams. The fact that the city and the residents turned away this opportunity is appalling. This is another example of the narrow-mindedness and antiquated thinking that continue to plague this city.

unfortunate? yes but Mr Martin has done us the favor of fousing our attention on the condition of Clawson Park and the surrounding sport facilities. Don't expect someone to ride into town and throw money at us to fix these problems, lets pull together and get this done, for ourselves and our youth.

The commission heard all sides and all but one member was completely against it. I am impressed with their common sense and abilities to see there just wasn't enough time or willingness for the applicant to do due diligence. Maybe instead he chose to save money (or make a strategic decision) by which he did not make proper site plans, taking this risk and instead rehearsing his Ernie Harwell speeches. I wish him the best of luck and hope he was serious about Clawson and his love for baseball and it was not just the money as we will approach him for a generous donation to help the fields, regardless. Mr. Martin just was not prepared. One member said (paraphrasing) I have never seen a proposal that didn't even address parking or have complete site designs. Another member said, this will change our park forever (and not for the better). You can easily blame the unanswered concerns brought up by the affected and non-affected residents, but to me that's like blaming a storm warning for the other day and not the actual storm. I am unimpressed with the bitter comments but I understand your frustration, it is hard to admit when you have been proven wrong.

Opportunities are GREAT! But, he didn't have the details. Would any of us "lease" our homes without knowing the conditions of the contract? How much are we getting for the rent of our property? Will the garage be torn down, what will be put in its place? Who will pay the electric bill? I just wanted to know the "details" of the financial busness arrangement. A business man that doesn't have a plan for future expansion, isn't a business man for long. Not one of us would agree to a 10 year contract without reading the contract and the small print. Unfortunately, many home owners "trusted" the banks and didn't read the fine print, look where that's gotten us. It was unreasonable to be forced to make a City changing decision without the details, and in 6 weeks time. In the future, I hope the applicant, and Clawson's City Departments present a complete and thourough plan so that residents can make an informed decision.

Just to be clear, I don't fault the PC decision. Given the amount of information that still needed to be figured out, I would have tabled for a week too. What I found most disappointing was the extreme divisiveness surrounding the issue and complete rejection of any portion of the discussion that didn't follow the preconceived narrative that it was all bad.

For all the people who had negative comments over the last few months, I now invite to take a leisurely stroll through the west side of Clawson Park. Shall I compare it to many neighborhoods you dont want to be associated with. The track and Football field are in disrepair. The fences look terrible. Its simply the most under-utilized area in Clawson.

20 years ago, playing for another program, I used to come to Clawson park and play there and thought it was a nice faciltiy.....that was 20 years ago.

What many of you don't know is that the City wanted to ask you for $2million for upgrades to the park during the technology bond but decided not to simply because we needed to pass that.

For those that live next to the park and were against it, I understand your concern about traffic. But would you rather live next to the arm pit of the City or something beautiful? By the way, the traffic that people were comparing to on the 4th of July is something near 25,000 people.....the baseball field would attract 1,500 maximum. Thats not even a close comparison.

The State of Michigan economy and real estate values are in a downward spiral, make no mistake! The commercial real estate sector has not even begun to fall yet. The real estate values will plummet again.

We had a chance to control our destiny. Now we can continue to follow the State's pattern. Congratulations to those who chose to think negatively and who want to continue looking at a dilapidated park.

Too Bad
While I would have liked more info, I am a frim believer in private business updating or helping to update city facilities without raising taxes.
There better be NO millage proposals for these upgrade of these fields. ENOUGH IS A ENGOUGH. Perhaps Clawson can find other private backers to fund these renewals
through local advertising, temporary use of facilities or special events.

Perhaps the supporters of these upgrade can start a fund for these up grades by approaching private citizens and business owners.

NO MORE TAX INCREASES
John Morse

Unfortunately, given the scope and magnitude of the repairs to be made, a bond proposal may be the only way to get it done now. What do I get for paying some of the highest tax rates in Oakland County again?

The citizens of Clawson would have been left holding the bag once the team failed. One year, Two years..Mr. Martin and his so-called "investors" would have jumped ship and taken the cash with them. Leaving Clawson with a dead horse.

What cash? The build-out was to be bonded to insure its completion. If the team\league failed what would the downside to the City be?

An empty field and the cost of upkeep for, lighting, sod, general maintenance.

You mean the same costs we have now then?

man WHAT A MISTAKE !! They should QUIT DRAGGING THEIR FEET and went for it !!!

Whether you were for or against this, it's an absolute shame that this didn't even get to a vote. And, it's clear why. The atmosphere of in-fighting, close-minded, self-centered superficiality that many displayed during this process made our city so inhospitable and univiting that the party who had the most invested simply walked away at the 11th hour. What needs to be realized is that we didn't let the converation take place and the process play out and that doesn't bode well for any of us. Not sure how we can ever expect to improve and advance if we can't even have a civil conversation. Very disappointing.

Actually, let me fix that... You mean the same, or lower, costs that we have now then? Lets not forget that modern lighting is typically 50% more efficient, and the fact that they would have replaced the already aging items that require more upkeep that we can barely keep up with.

Call the guy back and get it going !!!

your right, Kurt. Obviously some of the leftovers from the failed ballpark would be turned to decent use and yes, the cost to maintain would not move a ton. However there would be an increase in city costs to keep the look of the park nice. no matter how you slice it...Martin would have made a ton of cash on this deal. His past business have been involved in shady practices.

I'm not against a guy turning a profit if I get something in return, which we would have gotten if, or if not, this deal went south in a year. I have no idea, nor anything to substantiate the shadiness of previous deals.

W.C. Fields is not happy today.."A sucker born every minute"...
Martin and his companies are all smoke and mirrors. Lots of pretty pictures and tons of promises. but when the time comes it never is what is promised.

Romano should have abstained from the vote, his vote was not in the best interest of the City, it was only because he lived in the area. Bill if he tried. but could make make an intelligent judgement. People like Deb Wooley, cannotsee allsides, Steve, Skylar, Micheal J. and the liar Nick, he was probably stealing from martin, I think he worked for him. Now Clawson get your checkbook our, their will be a millage soon to fix the park.

Thank you Rocco Romano. The only foolish people seem to be the ones casting votes. Why can't this issue be put on a ballot? You might be surprised that it would probably pass. I guess whoever is loudest gets to make the call . What a backward little suburb this has turned out to be.

Kurt

Martin was not building a small stadium he was improveing the area. Why would you think that he has lawsuits against.him? Stupid. Always thinking worst,

Nick
it is an empty field today go walk on it,step on the poop that is on the field. All it is a dog run

Let's be serious here, who wants a 1500 person bar in Clawson Park and have them drive through our streets after the game. You muat be insane.

Deb W

Martin said he was paying for the installation of the ligth, you did not pay attention in class.

They need to get that guy back and get this thing going, Can you imagine how nice our park could be ?

get some use out of the park ! It sits there so long then all of a sudden its used !

t shea
does the alcohol include the children that the parents bring to the game,you are insane with that statement

Kurt

sorry I misunderstood you

To the person who said people who can afford to send their kids to private school can afford to raise the money is way out of line. Most people who send ther kids to private school sacrIfice greatly to do this along with PAYING THEIR SCHOOL TAXES.....
Many send their kids to these schools faith bases or not is to give thier kids a great education that is moral based. Unlike the liberial public school system with the NEA, MEA AND CEA guiding the kids. Many people who send their kids to Foley, Shrine or private schools take loans out every year to send kids and again pay school taxes in their district.

I'm not just a "NO". Give me details. My kids play soccer, baseball and football. Where is my daughter going to play soccer this fall if they are planting a field? Where will my son play baseball in the spring? Where will my husband coach my son's team in the spring? Just address my questions. Some of my questions should have been addressed with specifics by the City. Where are you going to put the soccer field? When will it be ready? Who's paying for it, and how much is it going to cost? Over the years, Clawson's baseball numbers have dwindled while the soccer numbers have increased. ALL need to be accommodated.

This park is for the residents of our city. I do not want to see a grandstand and advertisements every day from my house. Nor do I want to listen to 40 plus games throughout the summer from my dinner table. Put yourselves next to the park and see our side of things. I really do not see the opposition to this as unreasonable. Sure this would bring revenues, but at a very high cost to the residents. It is my guess that the support for this proposal comes mostly from residents who live no where near the park. Mr. Martin dangled a carrot in front of the residents of a cash strapped city and the majority said "No Thanks"

I'll agree with you there Kurt. I would still propose that the majority of residents near the park were not in support of this.

There is no sense in crying over was could have been. But what came out of these hearings is we have a park in decline. It is time to consider both sides of the issue putting their mouth and money where it belongs - in an effort to restore the park. If private money is not to be, then we citizens should be willing to ante up to restore as many of those things as possible.

The majority of residents in a 4-6 block area near the park were not in favor of the proposal; some were. All of them had the right to ask questions. The city is cash-strapped, but there were no guarantees that the city would benefit to any great degree. Mr. Martin chose to withdraw, rather than go through the whole process. He wasn't shut out--he was allowed to present his plan; he was allowed to amend his plan. Then he was asked for a traffic study. For any business man to believe they could do such a project in a matter of months is quite unrealistic. For those in favor of the project and Mr. Martin to believe there would be no objections was also unrealistic. Proper prior planning prevents poor performance, and in this instance, I would say plannning was insufficient. As to whether the park is in decline and what should be done, it is a matter of opinion. Is there a master plan? Have the residents been consulted on what is needed and/or wanted? Is the public aware that more kids play soccer than baseball nowadays?

There is a "Recreation Master Plan" that is referenced in the current City Master Plan document. It looks to date back to 2004 and I could not find a copy online.

Ms. Seipke - I attended the meeting also. I do believe some of the coaches affirmed that there was deteriation in that area of the park. My kids when growing up in Clawson, played both soccer and baseball. If you are infering that less attention should be paid to decent baseball fields - I think you are mistaken.

I wanted the details ironed out too. However, Mr. Martin feels it is more cost effective to start fresh somewhere else instead of addressing those details in Clawson. I wonder if his proposal in the new town will address these issues upfront? If he would have/could have spent the time in Clawson addressing those same concerns maybe the outcome would be different. Sad we'll never know.

Debbie

dont worry he will be welcome in another community. I can assure you. clawson has lost out

Debbie

the detail were available at the city planning commisiion offices. they were public information

New plans were submitted at 2:00 yesterday afternoon as the City Planner stated. The original plan had been changed. The soccer fields were in the original plan. I believe this was plan 3. That's good that he made revisions based on the city/planner request. I just didn't get to see them yet as the City Planner stated they require 24 hours advance notice of changes to make any comments on them. Just wanted more time to review the details.

Game Over

Mike Smith
If 5% of the 1500 who attend drink too much thats 75 people and they'll be driving on my street and yes I think that is insane.

I am extremely saddened today to hear that Summit has decided to pull the plug on the baseball stadium project in Clawson. As a member of the Planning Commission, I feel that I let our community down by not doing enough to persuade the other board members to realize the great potential for economic growth and increased quality of life this investment would have provided. We all would have liked to have had more time and have the plan be perfect for everyone. That was just not possible. I personally had to do my own due diligence in investigating the merits of the project. I determined that the overall benefits to our entire community were too great to turn down. I also believed that opposing viewpoints were also merited, but that viable solutions to these concerns would be found with the cooperation shown by Mr. Martin and Summmit. Unfortunately this opportunity is no longer available and will likely never occur again. We are now left in a situation that without significant investment by residents will only worsen as a result of not approving the project.

Tom Shea

there must be a lot of alholics in Clawson. let me get the math right, then if 44000 people attend the Tiger game then there will be 5% drunk and that will be 2200 drunks on the road. Or at a UM game 111,000 people attend 5% of them will be drunk that 5500 drunks coming out of Ann Arbor. I surely hope that the 75 drunks are not driving home their young children

I must be missing something. 4 hours of fielding questions doesn't seem like someone trying to sneak something in like so many are implying. He said at the beginning that a new field would have to be planted shortly and that dictated his timeline. I can understand after all the conspiracy theories, attacks (some personal) and a promised a legal fight, why they would leave. I'm so sorry we chased another business out of town and to our neighboring cities. Shame on us.

If having this in Clawson is so important to the developer, put it in an area that will not be bothered by the noise, the drunks, the traffic, the disruption. I live 6 blocks from the RO High School football field and the noise on a Friday night is horrible. The home values in the blocks around the park would certainly decrease in value - who would buy something that is so intrusive?

Why not put it on the 15 Mile/Main corner where Kmart sits empty? Plenty of parking and no drunks vomiting or urinating in someone's front yard or being kept awake on hot summer nights by the noise and traffic!

Hey everyone here is a video clip from Clawson Park in its current condition http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__mC-Vn60ec

Regarding the video. All valid points. However Much of the video you shot would not have been upgraded at Dave Martin's expense. Those items will have been the responsibility of the city and residents. My ?s still remain. How much was the lease worth? Would/could all money from the lease be dedicated for city park improvements? All a mute point now I know

Too bad, when my house has devalued and the economy is crap a small group of neighbors scare off investors. The park is empty 90% of the time and small group scared off a great opportunity. Come back to Clawson Baseball!!!

hey Debbie and MJ enjoy your park now, the millage is coming and you will pay.
I suppose now the kids take a ground ball in the face, some one will sue the city.
Clawson high schools fields are a laugh of the county. Ferndale has better fields than Clawson. what a shame you ruined a good opportunity you made your bed now sleep in it

Debbie before you mouth off, why dont you get the facts. you probably didnt even bother to go to the city and read the plans. do think the city's legal department would have allowed you or MJ to review the lease?

I saw the video enjoy the weeds, unsafe areas, and yes martin was going to replace all that was shown except the tennis courts, which were really bad.

it is millage time and all of us are going topay. once there is a unsafe area that is owned by the city, they will be oligated to repair it

AMEN Ed....

Mike I've never been disrespectful. I have not personally attacked anyone. I respectfully asked for more details. In fact we both probably agree on many topics. However your anger, your desire to divide and incite is disappointing. Only the exchange of ideas brings great things. I wish you wanted to be part of the solution, help to find compromise and a solution. B But, I guess tearing people down and dividing them is more your style. That is mouthing off. Nothing I posted before qualifies.

You may be right Darlene regarding the park improvements being made by Martin. I didn't think the repair of the tennis courts that would remain were under his care. I didn't think he was going to replace the fence around the football field. But, you may be right on that. I want a nice park too. No matter what impression you perceived.

debbie

did you try to ask the attorney what the lease was, did you go to the city and ask for the plans? did you really try to get the facts? or did you listen to MJ. I went to the city to get the plans,I asked about the lease, the office declined to give the details, I wanted to be part of the solution, until i listen to the idiots at the meeting, hollering try to disrupt the meeting. They used foul language, they tried to start a fight with others. I wanted no part of these people. they thought that they were the solution. there was no intelligent discussion by the negative side at the meeting, One person asked how much is the hot dog? Another asked the gentlemen at the front table how much was the city employees was getting. the negative side in most cases were nasty. the last person that spoke with the beard was really an idiot with his side comments. you didnt hear him

our city has lost a opportunity, dont blame martin. this city has turned down many business opportunties

just pull out checkbook and get ready for a millage, it will happen

Hey everyone, I am the Clawson Coach Pitch League Director and had, what I thought to be a very good idea months ago. It is obvious that we as a community feel passionate about wanting to do something.

I have felt that we could reuse the space we have to develop a four field complex, 1 high school and 3 little league fields. If you take a look at the following website down at the bottom and then the video it might give you some idea of what I'm thinking.

Chevrolet gave our league some money this past year. With help from the entire community on beautification efforts and private money to help us achieve our end goal, I really believe this to be possible. (Think baby steps here)

Building a 4 field complex rejuvenates the baseball program in Clawson which brings in 4 tournaments in the summer. We should coordinate our Farmers market, Car show and movie in the street directly on main street on the same weekends that we have tournaments.

As a city, we start advertising that Clawson has the best Baseball program in the State along with the finest educational system. (remember positive beliefs turn to positive outcomes). This in turn leads to other programs doing well such as soccer, football, track etc....

When all is said and done, people will see how great we are when they come to visit our community. We get a revitalized City park and achieve the Clawson we know and love.

SEE MY NEXT POST

We can sit here and let the economy do what it will or we can attempt to take control of our own future.

Here is the website for reference purposes. http://www.ripkendesign.com/

Here is the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx1Bjvo_DOQ&feature=player_embedded

Here is one more website that might give you some idea what I'm thinking.

http://www.ripkendesign.com/portfolio/youthsportscomplex/academy/

Thanks for all the comments on the story everyone. This is just a reminder to keep this conversation civil and avoid the name calling. Please be respectful of everyone's opinions.

Dae
were you one of the screamers in the back

Mike Smith: either you were at a different meeting than I was, or I left too early. I didn't see much screaming going on, though I did see some emotional people from both sides of the issue. The crowd of 30somethings in the back by the door who constantly said each opinion that was not theirs was "stupid" and "ridiculous" was irritating. But the name-calling is uncalled for. And you can't blame anyone for Martin pulling out EXCEPT for Martin--because his lack of planning and personal time crunch wouldn't see him through the required process. Now Gerald Maliszewski has put forward a nice looking idea, which could be a good starting point to fix Clawson's problems. It would be a shame if all those poeple at the meeting, each of whom care about the city, won't come together to help work on it.

Clawson citizens go to todays Oakland Press and the front page is an artilce on the proposed baseball park plan. Right next to the main story on the proposed plan is a seperate article that contains the proposal what Dave Martin was offering the city. Clawson really lost out. Game Over! Clawson Loses...again!!!

Micheal J
Did any of them offer to improve the community ? Martin was willing to put 1MM dollars into the City and there was a GUARANTEE Performance bond to pay theOne Million dolalrs if they did not perform. Again Micheal you did not understand the facts. read the what you loss in the Oakland Press. We were not putting up tatoo parlors, You may have won the battle, but lost the war, Hope you and the rest enjoy your millage increase.

There’s been talk about the popularity of baseball in the city of Clawson. Is it like it was when I played in Clawson 30 years ago? No, but it is growing and will continue to do so. I’d like to take this time to inform the residents that may not be involved with the Clawson Junior Baseball program. The public perception is that soccer is the overwhelming favorite sport for Clawson youth. This year CJB had almost 250 youth registered for baseball or softball. Per the Clawson Soccer website schedules there were 13 teams for the Spring 2011 season not counting neither the Munchkin(U-5) category since CJB age groups start at 6 years old nor the Puma Premier since that is a travel program and not all youth can play at that level. 13 teams with an average of 16 players per team are 208 players total. Therefore, baseball is more popular than soccer in our community but I’m willing to concede and say that it’s equal.

See next post for continuation.

I tried to come up with some of the reasons why our residents felt that soccer is more popular than baseball. This is what I came up with: first, they don’t see the kids playing or practicing while driving through Clawson. Baseball diamonds are tucked in away from the roads since foul balls can cause damage to the passing vehicles. Soccer fields can be located closer to city streets since their ball is less likely to cause damage. You may drive past the park along Bywood and not even know there was a baseball game or practice happening but you see the soccer players right up against the road. Second, baseball plays home and away games with Beverly Hills so not all games are in Clawson. Softball plays with Royal Oak and all their games are in Royal Oak so you wouldn’t even know about those games but if you lived in Royal Oak near Jaycee-Starr Park at 13/Crooks you would know all about the popularity of softball. Lastly, I think that’s what people have been told for several years and without the information stated above would continue to be the perception of most Clawson residents

My son plays baseball and my husband coaches. There were 2 teams of 13 at the 11-12 age group. True they find anywhere they can to practice.

michael J

Baseball died for the same reason Parkland, Baker, McDonald and Hunter did. Lack of children. Clawson was a thriving community that dictated that many elementary schools in the district. Then the children moved through the school district and graduated leaving Clawson known as a town of empty nesters and young couples using it as a stepping stone to earn equity and then move when they wanted to start a family in which they would sell to another young couple. Take a look around the neighborhoods in Clawson. You'll see move young families instead of young couples. Please see next post.

What many Clawson residents do not realize is that it is not just the City Park fields that are in need of improvement. Baker field is in need of a new back stop and benches for players. This equipment was in place when I played city ball 30 years ago. Also, since the parking addition behind Baker was added left field is under water every time it rains. This drainage issue needs to be addressed. The practice fields at Schalm and the one behind the High School need a thorough redo. As pointed out by the High School Varsity baseball coach the field behind the High School is practically unplayable. As far as Schalm is concerned anyone can ask Dave Shrum about that field. Dave uses it but I think it’s more for convenience than anything else. The small field at City Park will be discussed I’m sure with the concerns of the large field. We also use the field at the Middle School which I don’t know of any specific needs at this point.

Long time residents will remember the baseball fields at Parkland and McDonald(Grant). There was also a field next to the existing one at Schalm. Where have all these fields gone? Parkland and McDonald(Grant) were lost to soccer and the Schalm field is now a basketball court. Baseball struggles in the spring and summer to find decent fields to practice on. We need to include the field behind the High School and Schalm field when we discuss improvements. Let’s not forget Baker as well. Baker is the only field specified strictly for the 7/8 year olds. Clawson is no longer a stepping stone for young couples to gather equity in a home and then move on when they start a family. People are “stuck” in their homes now and for many years to come. Hence, the number of children in our neighborhoods will increase. I see it already on my tiny street with 6 kids that will be growing up in our community, going to our schools and playing baseball/softball and soccer. We need to be looking forward in this aspect and be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to land available for all recreational sports leagues

Hey major where were you? Could not even come to listen to the project

Michael J: How do you know about these people on the city boards families? I have been resident of this city for 28 years and I couldn't tell you where over half these people live or what they do yet alone their spouses. You sound like you have issues. Like stalking. You should not be aloud within 200 feet of a park or school. I think the Clawson Police should spend a lil more time looking into your hobbies of taking photos of young children. You need to get a life and start and spend less time on the computer and spend more time cleaning up that mess you call a front yard. Your neighbors talk...

Hmmmmm?
Just watched the majority of the taped meeting, read the bulk of this on-going conversation, and I am left with a troubling feeling of lost opportunity for all involved (The City of Clawson certainly included)

It seems to me that the "Clawson welcome" was severely lacking during a time that it should have been graciously extended (my opinion) in an effort to explore, discuss, evaluate, and digest the possible partnership that was brought to our collective table.

No matter what side of this you happen to fall on, an appropriate degree of gratitude and thanks should have been offered to those who were willing to spend their money, share their idea/vision, exhaust a lot of their time and effort, and who clearly desired a potential relationship/partnership with the City of Clawson.

Perhaps I am wrong (I was not at the meeting) but as one who watched the tape, I am not surprised, at all, that the proposal was withdrawn (Indeed, I would have taken the very same action).

Simply put, the process was stopped at "A" and given the invitation and proposal that was on the table, should have prompted us to extend a much longer welcome to see if this relationship had what it takes to enter a "marriage" together.

Anyhoo,
I love you all :)
Carl N

Are you kidding? There must only you that is proud of the instigator

This story from another town has a familiar ring to it. http://www.leadertelegram.com/news/front_page/article_9f6ba174-cfa0-11e0-b22e-001cc4c03286.html
Businesses (at least baseball businesses) want our parks. In my opinion, this affirms our community's response and our planning commission's decision. It's just not a good precedent.

"That's the message they sent loud and clear - it's unacceptable to have a for-profit (business housed in the park)," (the business man making the proposal) said of Wednesday's 12-0 vote by the Eau Claire Waterways and Parks Commission against the project.

The proposed site was a beautiful venue itself--but not in the right location for our city park. We need to seriously proceed with a plan to beautify our "GEM" and provide our children & grandchildren with a decent updated & improved ball field. Our park needs vast improvements that need to be done. The amenities that attracted many of us 40 years ago, need to be put back into the community to attract the younger families that are seeking the same things we did. I support ANY bond issues or millage for improvements to my city park. We can do it! Cynthia Resh

then a millage is the only way to improve the park, no one is going give money to us to fix the park. I bet a maillage is being planned. Since the city was aware of the bad conditons in a public hearing they will have to do something about it...

Group hug proposed!

Anyone in?

Good luck with that Carl, lol. It is obvious that some people will not be sending a few other people a Christmas card this year.

Well it seems there may be 2 Pattis , I'm not a GRANDMA and I don't have kids old enough to have a wife working at the city ,and my husband does not work for the city! I'm believing what I've read , you have too much time on your hands ,I'm done on here ,next thing I know you' ll know where I live.

Well Micheal , I don't think any clarifying was to be done here, I don't know who you are , nor do I care to.I'm not into the bickering back and forth over any one in this city , I feel EVERYONE has the right to voice their opinion , with that said, I myself find it creapy that YOU know so much about her, where she lives , her neighhbor that picks garbage , where her husband works and her daughter in law ,or how long this person has been on a board, Why is that?And why would one even care ? Oh never mind it's none of my bushiness.I find that very disturbing .
As far as my name goes , I feel I need to explain , my sister and I were named after our aunts, my sisters name is Clare ,I have a cousin named Edith.

Well Well the council people have spoken, they hid behind their little desks and waited to make a statement after the fact., Palmer and Airrisos have decided they did not want the ball team so they come out with a gutless statement that they opposed something that was already done. I wonder how they would have handled the vote if it was approved. People of clawson I feel for us. I read that a group of people are going to go out and the fix park, I am sure if they try to do that no one will agree on anything, and nothing wil get done, have your checkbook ready it will be tax time. I read an article in the macomb Daily that mr hackel was shocked to hear that Clawson turned down an opportunity. I wonder how many people are laughing at us for being so stupid. We will always be a third rate city

The only way to fix the park is by a millage, I purpose the city gets on with it and tax us that is the only way it will get cleaned up

If it passes.......

No way it will pass. Keep in mind that the Headlee override is coming up for renewal for 2013, without which the City will have much larger problems than just the park.

Kurt: as of now no Tax, 502 "tax by pass" Donations, B.Foley, took 6 months to raise the money, for a 10 teams up to 4 different sports, all weather fld it is in and being used, they have 65 rental dates/contests already on the books. (pee wee in the morning, hs, soccer, then 2 football games, just change the flags and goals, Clawson is still having one meeting per month, for over approx 9 months, I bet Foley's parents met 2 - 3 times a week. I have a photo essay of the build, will send by e mail, I also have other info, that wont be shared on here. The original michael J. DON'T be confused with Michael j, or Micheal, or all the other mispellings, did I send the pic's to you before? I will ck. laugh at the headlee renewal, that only keeps us at 1 day closed.......... another words, it has to be that and more, or put us out of our misery, Main St. North, goes to troy, and the main st. so. goes to R O. MAKES SENSE, since Troy shares the same street, where SM lives, perhaps we could raise school of choice, to 60% from the 33 it is now of the district. what does the School dist. pay for, as far as fld rentals, etc. oh well.......... it was a rainy day, thought I can hear a storm brewing. be good,

Same questions, different local,, diff.country 48 dates, will tell you any thing, will share the field w/? need the beer, as long as I can cover their signs on my dates, oldest stadium, needs score board, stadium in residential area (?) it is downtown, PREXISTING. Hummmmmmm we were oh so right, but the money "promiced" caused a stampede driven by illrepute. the other side of sports by a desperate man.
yes London ONT. C C gave in and ok'd a ONE yr w/4 opt. Dave Martin wanted 5 guart. The citizens were skepitcal, of any thing that , just appears, with hallos,and he is the Music man, all is right,
Now he says 3500 for attend. it was 1500 here............. well there is plenty on the web........ well read one of them for your self ....... as long as he can sell beer on the third base side, he will share the other (first base stand) w/other team OH my, conflict where ever he goes. this is good reading, cause not even macomb co. and all that land could set him up., please read, and compare. w/what we went thru.
http://www.lfpress.com/sports/columnists/morris_dalla_costa/2011/09/28/18754551.html

mJ stop pretending you are me

Fellow Land Owners: A letter was sent to a select few (150?) to keep the attendance low."Large Lots" owners were notified of this meeting, but not the owners along side or in back, of such. & not ALL large lot owners by the way. If you remember the emotion filled meeting in August, when tax payers were shocked that a decision was to be nade that night. THERE will be NO decision, info only, they need to hear from you. Why so there will be no emotion, but an intelligent and thourough implanting of changes in the zoning ordinances, do you like Clawson look and feel, it's different personalities in the different quad's (sections) Do you want a high rise next to you? 8 condo's stuffed into 3 large lots, perhaps you do. The concern by some is that all ppl should have a say, not wake up one morning with a bulldozer a few ft. from your foundation, cause a large lot owner sold out, and there was no ord's to protect the ones left behind. Maybe that is what you want, e.g. 216 w baker, & washington, a Old farm house very stoic facing W B. double lot, tear it down, change the address to Washington, and all of a sudden you have changed the neighborhood's looks, by putting in 3 houses, or 6 condo's etc, no longer peacefull, or perhpas your all for building on every sq. ft. you need to be heard, right now it is mostly about Hendricksen, east end. A developer does not pay top dollar for property, so selling to a single private owner, might bring you morer $$, show up be heard.

mj your attitude stinks toward everything