BERKLEY, Mich. – A carnival ban in the city limits of Berkley is one step closer to reality. The ban is in response to persistent fights in the festival.
City leaders took public comment Monday night during their regular scheduled meeting as they discussed the possible ban.
Despite community pushback, the council passed a resolution throwing support behind the ban on carnivals. The resolution also asks city staff to review and bring forward any required ordinance amendments. This comes after fights caused Berkley Days to end early back in May. Fights also disrupted the festival in past years, as well.
Those who spoke out on Sept. 16 asked the city not to be too hasty with its decision.
“You guys have the ability to approve or deny these events, and it seems a bit extreme to ban it outright, right? Because you’re gonna have to come back in the future when it might be more safe,” said one resident.
It’s clear that something needs to be done, whether it’s a ban or it’s rethinking the way Berkley Days is done. For now, nothing is official as far as a ban.