Some neighbors concerned about big SLT home light show's traffic

Fri, Oct 16, 2009    to del.icio.us

SPRING LAKE TOWNSHIP — Not everyone is happy about a man's holiday light show and fundraiser returning to his Spring Lake Township home this year.

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Earlier this week, some residents from a nearby private road voiced concern to the Spring Lake Township Board about Brad Boyink's annual holiday light show returning to the Heather Court cul-de-sac residential neighborhood, south of VanWagoner Road and west of West Spring Lake Road.

The elaborately choreographed sound-and-light show was staged at Harbor Island the last two years, after outgrowing its original site at Boyink's home.

Boyink will have more than 200,000 lights decorating all 14 houses on the street. The display runs Thanksgiving night through Dec. 26. Boyink says all proceeds from the show go to charities: Tri-Cities Area Habitat for Humanity, Harbor Humane Society and Spread the Music Foundation.

Travis Babcock lives on Hardwood Lane, a private road off of Heather Court, and he hassome concerns about the show in a residential neighborhood. He and several other Hardwood Lane residents complained to the Township Board that the traffic the show generates is obtrusive and dangerous to their neighborhood.

While Hardwood Lane residents said they appreciate Boyink's efforts and charity donations, they feel a different site is needed.

"We don't feel this is appropriate for a residential neighborhood," Babcock told the Township Board. "We understand it's going to happen this year, but we hope you draw up an ordinance for future years."

Immediate neighbors to Boyink said they're excited to have the show back, and many are volunteering to hang lights and set up the display.

"Brad is pouring out his heart and doing all this hard work for everyone and for charities," said Paula Davis, 16202 Heather Court. "It's all for the good. We're proud to be a part of it."

Julie DeBlanc, 16206 Heather Court agreed. "We're all glad he's bringing it back. It brings us together as a neighborhood. As far as a community thing, it's been great."

Boyink said the move back to his neighborhood is due in part to vandalism last year at Harbor Island, as well as cost savings.

Spring Lake Township currently has no laws on the books to prevent such a display, according to township attorney Ron Bultje.

Township officials said they've had several meetings with Boyink, county law enforcement and the Ottawa County Road Commission. Township Supervisor John Nash said a post-event meeting is scheduled for January.

"If it becomes too big a problem, it can be stopped," said Nash, adding that police and the Road Commission would have the biggest influence on such a decision.

Ottawa County Sheriff's Department Lt. Mike Brookhouse said his staff will monitor and patrol the show closely.

"It's a pretty big production and, as a result, there's a lot of planning going into it," Brookhouse said. "Our input deals with traffic issues. We're trying to figure out the best route for traffic in and traffic out. We're having extra patrols."

Brookhouse said the show could be canceled temporarily if there's a large snowfall or other unforeseen circumstances.

"The meetings we've had have been very productive," Brookhouse continued. "Everyone wants to see this thing go off without a hitch — but when you start getting 20,000 and 30,000 cars involved, you're going to have some issues. Our biggest concern is with the congestion of traffic."

Spring Lake Township Manager Gordon Gallagher said he appreciates the cooperative municipal efforts and understands the concerns of some neighbors.

"I think everyone wants to see a happy holiday season and meet the needs of all of the parties involved," Gallagher said. "We especially want to make sure that whatever kind of event happens, that it's safe."

Boyink said some changes have been made for this year's production at his home — including traffic signage; a Sheriff's Department deputy directing traffic; and vehicular movement every six minutes, compared to 20 minutes in the past. Neighbors and their guests also will receive passes to avoid waiting in line, according to Boyink.

Boyink anticipates between 60,000 and 100,000 vehicles will visit the display this year.

"It's much more thought-out this year than it was the first year we had it here," he said.

Southbound traffic on West Spring Lake Road will be encouraged to detour west and take U.S. 31 or 174th Avenue.

Ottawa County Road Commission Managing Director Kent Rubley said he doesn't anticipate any major problems.

"From our point of view, everything should work out OK," Rubley said. "As it progresses, we'll all learn. If things need to be changed, I'm sure everyone will cooperate and make that happen. We'll make corrections as they need to be made."