Community Corner
How's That New Fireworks Ordinance Going in Trenton?
Violating the new ordinance can be punishable by a $500-fine or up to 30 days in jail--and yet people continue to use consumer fireworks, according to many Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch readers.
It's been about two weeks since Trenton City Council members passed a new ordinance restricting the use of consumer fireworks.
The new ordinance states the use of consumer fireworks in Trenton is now only allowed on the day of, the day before and the day after a national holiday.
Fireworks cannot be used from midnight to 8 a.m. on the above mentioned days except New Year's Day. Fireworks are prohibited from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. on New Year's Day.
Despite the new ordinance, Patch readers remain concerned about the continued use of consumer fireworks outside the allowed days and times.
Several Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch users commented on recent articles detailing the new ordinance. Some users complained about being woken up in the night from loud bangs, while others expressed concern for their animals--which may become frightened by the same loud bangs.
Here's what some Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch readers said about the use of consumer fireworks during restricted days and times after the ordinance passed unanimously.
- L.H. said, "Well this isn't working cuz they are going off all the time around my house!"
- Becky Whyte said, "After 10pm tonight (Sunday) we are settled in, then BOOM. fLash?! Is my house on fire???? Nope a middle age couple and a wagon of kids, a wagon of fireworks and car full of their friends are perched outside my house. Their own private fireworks display. Do you not have jobs to go to tomorrow morning? This is a neighborhood. My pets are freaking out, we working tomorrow very early in the morning, but clearly your the only family in Trenton. So please entertain yourselves."
Fire Marshal Michael R. Bernardin of the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority posted a blog to Patch explaining the ins and outs of the legalities pertaining to consumer fireworks in Michigan.
Bernardin lists two civil infractions consumer fireworks users risk violating when looking for a big bang. He cites Sgt. Thompson of the Brighton Michigan State Police Post for providing the information.
- MCL 28.462(3) explains what happens to a person who uses fireworks while under the influence of alcohol which includes penalties from a 30 day misdemeanor to a 15 year felony.
- MCL 28.462(1) explains it is a civil infraction when a person uses fireworks on someone else’s property, without the owner’s permission. (THIS INCLUDES YOUR FIRWORKS LANDING ON SOMEONE ELSES PROPERTY WITHOUT PERMISSION!)
So, Patch wants to know, what do you think about Trenton's new consumer fireworks ordinance? Tell us in the comment section.
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