Council denies permit for private vendors at Flowertown Festival
Published Thursday, November 13, 2008 11:19 AM
By Jenny Peterson
Summerville Journal Scene
The debate continues over whether residents can have vendors set up on their property during the Flowertown Festival.
Journalscene.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Journalscene.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not journalscene.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
"People like you can darken an entire town".....already has.
Posted by:
After reading both sides on all these stories and forming my own opinion now I would say that Brit is totally out of line and riding on the back of the YMCA event for her own financial gain. Period. She has come up with every excuse in the book from dental work to kids college fund why she is so called fighting to continue doing this. She even shamelessly pulled our American Veterans in to one of her notes. Brit, Shame on you. Stop sucking off the YMCA. This is their festival. Get it through your head and move on! People like you can darken an entire town.
Posted by:
This is not a fight between MS. Britt and anyone. It is a case of the town correcting a wrong and not allowing a precedent to be set. If the permit is allowed, then at some point in the future a homeowner could request that their residential property be used for commerical purposes, for "special" use. They could cite the Britt permit as establishing a precedent for it. A good example: The current Britt request, the fact that the town has granted it in the past is the main arguement she is making for granting it again. Granted, in the past the town made the mistake of granting the permit but that mistake can and should be corrected now, so the precendent is not set. This is a slipery slope, unless of course you do not mind the fruit stand on your neighbors lawn.
Posted by:
Seems to me she has a pretty cut and dry case and the YMCA is getting petty about the whole thing. Tell AT&T that they can't have booths in their yard. Start there.
Posted by:
"I wish the Town had never allowed me a permit for the past three years." THEN STOP MAKING ONE RIDICULOUS EXCUSE AFTER ANOTHER.....AND.... QUIT.
Posted by:
I have to say i agree with the 4th of July person because seriously what if someone starts selling fireworks and junk in there yard for then and Newyears. Then in the festival they tell the lisence people they will sell something like candles and incense or purses or something then sell knives and maybe things that look very sexual related!!! Maybe upunder the table or something!!!!! That would be sooooooo gross and wrong!!! But it could happen!!! If that Britt woman isn't stopped now by God it will get like this i bet!
Posted by: lives by Summ. Elem.
Please re-read my comments. I wish the Town would continue to be fair. Everyone has a choice whether or not to shop on my property just like they do Mrs. Smiths (Summerville daycare) and the 20 Bellsouth booths. They are not a part of the festival. Mrs. Smith has been told twice to stop and the town changes thier mind when she threatens to get an attorney. They both have craftors and food booths just like me.
Posted by: Gina Britt
Ok....so the town lets Ms. Britt use her property for commerical purposes......then the next 4th of July someone living in that area of main street want to rent to a fireworks stand and cites the Britt permit as to why they should be able too.....The town made a mistake by letting this take place in the first place...now is the time to correct it......Ms. Britt stated that now she wishes she never had done this at all.....well then, stop now......
Posted by:
Y Board Member: Jackson "Stokes" opposes the Britt's. Town Attorney: Mark "Stokes" to look into this matter. Is it just me, or there a possible family conspiracy here against the Britts from all sides? The Y's board is made up of alot of "Self Absorbed" Summerville "hoy-paloys". It's time to clean out the current Y management, get the national organization involved and put the "C" first in our local organization! Bullying local residents makes the Y look about as childish as their programs for "3 and unders".
Posted by: C'mon Town Council Get Your Act Together!
How about Gina is allowed to do this so long as she pays a percentage to the Y and must follow vendor rules set by the Y as well. Everybody wins. Hard to regulate, I know...
Posted by:
Yes, the park is zoned R-1 which most people do not know. That's why Gina should get an attorney. That's really all it will take.
Posted by: Get a lawyer, Gina!
The Britts and the YMCA need to compromise and end this dispute.This ongoing battle hurts both. The Y looks like a bully and the Britts come off looking like they're not civic-minded. Give a little, folks!
Posted by:
The park is zoned R-1 as is the Britts and all of her residential neighbors. Hmmm wonder if that changes how the town would think regarding the ordinance as they now have put hand cuffs on the "Y" and their use of Azalea Park. Did you know that Mr Town Attorney?
Posted by: Zoning Technicality
This is getting out of hand. We have laws, zoning and ordinances that are passed by elected officials. The Britts I think have had many yard sales in their yard the past few years. OK by me. But if everyone rented booths out on their Main Street front yard, you can imagine what that would do to the Y and the festival. Its a good money maker for the Y and the town needs the Y to provide the recreation it does at a nominal fee. Otherwise we will all get a higher property tax on our homes to pay for the recreation to be provided. Or worse yet, kids will not have the option of a gymnastics center, a wellness center, and the other programs the Y offers.
Posted by: Serge Fariloffski
Why should any one organization have a monopoly on the town for three days. I don't think they have exclusive rights. The Britts should be free to do what they want on their own land as long as the proper permits have been acquired.
Posted by:
soem comments refer to breaking a "law". The town council can create any law it wants -and repeal them. That's an arbitrary thing.
Posted by:
exactly what does this festival cost the taxpayers in police, sanitation, advertising,etc? How much gets reimbursed. It's not reasonable to expect the town to cover the expenses.
Posted by:
Because they thrive on public funds the YMCA should disclose the percentage of local vs out of town vendors that apply for slots and are successful.
Posted by:
No one is questioning whether the Y is a worthwhile group or not, or whether the festival is fun. But to expect everything else to take a backseat and people to be inconvenienced without any sort of compensation is really is unreasonable.The Y has MULTIPLE fundraisers, in addition to competitive monthly rates (that some people still can't afford). They need to work with people and be a good neighbor and support their own expenses without taxpayers.I wonder if we moved everything out to the Ponds if the neighbors there would be upset?
Posted by:
This is so sad! I can not believe that the Top Story is about me! Why not spend some time writing letters of appreciation to the Veterans of our country. It is because of them that I have the right to even own the LAND that my home sits own! It's a sad day indeed when we forget the freedom that America stands for. Sometimes, I wish the Town had never allowed me a permit for the past three years. But then, I remember that I do not live in a dictator country and I have every right to fight for what I know in my heart is fair! I'm not the first person to be told that they can not rent spaces on their property...Mrs. Smith that has Summerville Daycare on her property has been told twice over the past 20 years that she can no longer rent spaces. She told me that each time she had to threaten to get an attorney and the Mayor decided to allow her to continue. The bottom line is that I have not given any money to the YMCA. Nor has the YMCA given any money to me for causing my insurance to stop covering my home during the festival. Why can't I continue YMCA? What have I taken from you? You have windshiled replacement vendors and cosmetic vendors and many, many others businesses that do not meet the arts and crafts guidelines. My vendors get the same license yours do. I will continue to fight for what is right and I thank everyone for their letters to my house, the phone calls and all of the supportive comments on line!
Posted by: God blees us all! Gina Britt
A yard sale permit is the same as a special use permit, right? Historic district residents can only have four yard sales per year! I guess Gina will use up three of hers during the festival...oh well. I think I'll call my friend Gina and see if I can sell my childrens used clothes, my husbands loud power tools and my sons extremely loud motorcycle and sound system! Maybe she can have a car wash at the same time and let the water run down her driveway all the way down Main Street! Or better yet, we'll have a dog wash day! Be careful what you wish for YMCA supporters!
Posted by: D. Morgan
My Children go to the YMCA programs on a daily basis.The people there are dedicated and friendly.I just wonder why both the YMCA and residents can'tcome to an agreement on splitting the rents to benefit all...At this point half is better than nothing. Please sit down and talk and come to a conclusion to benefit all
Posted by: Chris Pia
What is the difference between a temporary permit for a yard sale and a temporary permit to do what they want to do? I don't think she is asking anything unreasonable and I don't think anyone should really care this much about it. She has extra space, the YMCA denies vendors due to lack of space and so it really it is a win-win. The YMCA gets a "fuller" festival and the families on Main Street get to participate. Big woop. My two cents is the YMCA is being a big bully to the little residents over some extra space and more vendors. Is it really worth all of this on the YMCA's side? I don't think so!
Posted by:
What a strong emotion you are feeling! I'll pray for you! Please remember the "C" in YMCA stands for Christian. God is watching all of you. Remember not to JUDGE a sister in Christ. He loves her as much as he does you!
Posted by: G. Mintz
If we start allowing user of residential properites to use their property for commerical purposes, where does it end? Once that door is open almost any other commerical enterprise can use that open door to argue that they should be allowed to (fill in the blank) in their front yard.........This issue is not really about dening MS. Britt, it is about not wanting to open that door..........
Posted by:
Ms. Britt knew full well that the festival was being held each year when she moved here and did not have a problem purchasing the house knowing full well the street would be block'd......Her property is a RESIDENTIAL property and is for RESIDENTIAL USE not for rent as a commerical property and she knew that when she bought it. If she had any sense of "unity" for the town she would withdraw her request just as Tina did.
Posted by:
Some of the Great Things the Festival Does: 1. Family Oriented Festival 2. Social Event for all People 3. Raise money for children and adult YMCA Programs 4. Raise money for other local charities 5. Allows local business to advertise and hopefully increase tax base These are just a few. I am sure that you can come up with some that are not great, but if you weigh them out the positive is much larger than the negative. You can disagree with the zoning vote, but the festival is great for our community.
Posted by: I love Summerville Two.
I think that we would make all these people happy if we just cancelled the festival. Apparently it costs too much money to run and does not make a great impact on the community. Instead we will have a competition for the folks who can complain the most. That is what the vocal minority wants. Us to all be upset over everything. I love Summerville and the Festival. Does that mean I am a bad person? No, it means I am a Summervillian. You do not have to be born here to be one, you just have to love this place. I do. Do you?
Posted by: Love Summerville. Hate Complainers.
What LAW allows a private fundraiser to shut down a major highway that blocks a hotel, daycare and private homes? The original festival was only allowed to shut down 17A for a small parade. Now the YMCA has made the Hwy. shut down for three days! Can you imagine trying to have a funeral at the funeral home stuck in the middle of the festival? Maybe you are not referring to a LAW but rather "words" typed on paper that was made up to benefit the YMCA's funddraiser, not tax payers!
Posted by: P. Dubel
Move to another location? When 99% of these people purchased these homes the festival was already going on. Maybe we can pay them a fee. For others it is crazy. They assumed the risk when they purchased the home. She can take legal action if she would like, but the law is clear.
Posted by: Supporter of Common Sense
Sounds as though you have millions! I don't know about everyone else...but I'd fight to continue to make fifteen thousand dollars for my family. I assume you live in a house much nicer than Mrs. Britts and drive a car much better than hers! If not, I guess your comments over and over again lead to jealousy! If Mrs. Britt is not allowed to make money...I think the YMCA should pay the homeowners unwillingly affected by the festival a fee! Those homeowners did not ask the YMCA to completely block their homes! The Festival is suppose to be in the park! Why dosen't the YMCA use both sides of the park? The children's festival could set up on the Towns cleared land located between S. Magnolia and S. Gum Street. Or maybe yet...put the entire festival in the Unused parking deck that our tax dollars paid for! What will happen if the affected homeowners have a fire or someone in their family chokes and needs help? Would you not want your home and family to receive immediate emergency response? Thousands of people block their homes! YMCA supporters need to realize that Mrs. Britt is not trying to make the festival move to a new location, but I truly think she could. I know I would!
Posted by: P. Dubel
The town has an ordinance that disallows the Britts, me and others from having a festival in our front yard. The town also allows the local YMCA, the only organized group that provides downtown recreation for a nominal fee, to have a festival once a year that is non-alcoholic, family driven, and craft minded to support the operations of the local YMCA. Why would we want to penalize the one organization from having its three day weekend by allowing someone to break the law and suck up the revenue that otherwise woudl go to this good cause organization. I grew up in this town and I can tell you, the youth need the YMCA and its programs. Without it, which will happen like others that close up shop, we will sorely miss the opportunity to provide recreation for our youth in their formative years. Lets get a grip here and thank town council for making a good decision.
Posted by:
They don't pay to advertise it. We do. The taxpayers. It's our tax money. They use our tax dollars to put on this festival. Why deny residents?
Posted by:
Did this Annexation get pulled off of the agenda just like it did last month because one of the "Good Ole Boys" was not in attendance again? Last month Mr. Waring, this month Mr. Brown, sure makes one wonder!!!
Posted by: Inquiring Minds Want to Know.
If the YMCA and festival have never has been (in) the interest of private enterprise then why do they use tax money from our hotels and eating establishments for their marketing? Why do they use our tax dollars for marketing and police services? Why do we allow this?
Posted by:
The Y uses OUR tax dollars from the competitive grant to pay for advertising. And the TOWN is the actual host of the festival. It's a fundraiser for the Y. They need to lighten up and let people use their own property. The Y is certainly not acting out its mission by their strong arm tactics.
Posted by:
The "Y" is the sponsor of this event...they pay to advertise it, and have every right to pick and choose who is allowed as a vendor. If Mrs. Britt wants to "rent" her front yard, fine, but she should be required to pay a fee to the event sponsor to do so...If you go to a party you are expected to abide by the hosts rules...in this case the "y" is the hosts......Having to rent ones front yard to pay bills is embarassing!
Posted by: Y supporter
Yup...maybe Obama was right...it is time for a change. As Fed up with the Arrogance said, keep an eye on what your elected county council is doing for you. If you ain't happy, vote em out. By carefully screening vendors the YMCA controls who pays for the privilege of conducting business during the festival. Given time, they will drive all vendors away. They have forgotten what the "C" stands for in YMCA.
Posted by: The Loyal Opposition
Let's hope the voter's don't forget what Bib Flowers said - it's certain the off the cuff comment is what he really believes - when they go to vote this Spring. It's time to let the bus driver go back to doig what he really knows - driving busses!
Posted by: Fed up with the Arrogance
Summerville Journal Scene
Jenny Peterson/Journal Scene
South Street resident Gina Britt spoke to the council on Nov. 10 about continuing to allow vendors to set up on her front lawn during the Flowertown Festival.
Summerville Town Council voted against changing an ordinance to allow residents to have “temporary use” permits that would allow vendor sales during the annual festival. However, some council members and residents are still hopeful it will be allowed.
The vote on Nov. 12 came after South Street resident Gina Britt petitioned the council to continue to let her rent out her front yard to vendors during the festival. The three-day festival draws more than 200,000 people each year. Britt said she has made up to $15,000 a year from the vendors.
Members of the YMCA board, the entity that puts on the festival, asked that Britt not be allowed to rent out her yard and said the board carefully screens vendors for the festival.
“(The festival) never has been (in) the interest of private enterprise,” Jackson Stokes, a YMCA board member, said to the council before the vote.
Britt also spoke to the council, as did a handful of supporters, her husband and her son.
“This money (from vendors) is going to my college fund,” Britt’s son said. “It’s going to get me into school, keep me in school and help me pursue my dreams.”
Despite the plea, the council unanimously denied the ordinance change, but Council Member Bob Jackson said the council will look at a “special use” ordinance and asked Town Attorney Mark Stokes to look into the matter.
“We can deny this now, but I would like to go back and review it,” Jackson said.
In other business, the council unanimously approved a resolution to support a citizen’s group effort for a memorial for Joe Bunch, a long-time employee of Dorchester District 2 who recently died in a car accident.
On the economic front, Council Member Howard Bridgman said that many residents were worried about the town having to dip into reserve funds in the upcoming year and said the town was getting a plan together to cut costs.
“There are plans afoot to reduce deficit so we don’t have to go to reserve funds,” Bridgman said. “We’ll look at things in the upcoming year.”
During public comments, Council Member Bob Flowers publicly apologized to residents for comments he made at a September council meeting during a vote to annex land on Dorchester Road.
Flowers had said the large number of residents who have moved to the area in the last ten years caused the overcrowding on schools and roads.
“This is the problem,” Flowers had said, motioning to the audience, who were mostly against the annexation.
At the Nov. 12 meeting, Flowers said, “I was out of line. I sincerely, publicly apologize to anyone whose feelings I hurt.” He said he hoped residents would “Maybe not forget, but forgive me.”
The council did not discuss annexing 24 acres into the town. It was on the council’s agenda, but it was pulled at the last minute, council members said.
Contact Jenny Peterson at 873-9424 ext. 216 or JPeterson@journalscene.com.
Comments (39)
Notice about comments:Journalscene.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Journalscene.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not journalscene.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:03 PM
"People like you can darken an entire town".....already has.
Posted by:
Listened to both sides now
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:36 AM
After reading both sides on all these stories and forming my own opinion now I would say that Brit is totally out of line and riding on the back of the YMCA event for her own financial gain. Period. She has come up with every excuse in the book from dental work to kids college fund why she is so called fighting to continue doing this. She even shamelessly pulled our American Veterans in to one of her notes. Brit, Shame on you. Stop sucking off the YMCA. This is their festival. Get it through your head and move on! People like you can darken an entire town.
Posted by:
It is not Ms. Britt vs YMCA or Britt vs Town
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:05 AM
This is not a fight between MS. Britt and anyone. It is a case of the town correcting a wrong and not allowing a precedent to be set. If the permit is allowed, then at some point in the future a homeowner could request that their residential property be used for commerical purposes, for "special" use. They could cite the Britt permit as establishing a precedent for it. A good example: The current Britt request, the fact that the town has granted it in the past is the main arguement she is making for granting it again. Granted, in the past the town made the mistake of granting the permit but that mistake can and should be corrected now, so the precendent is not set. This is a slipery slope, unless of course you do not mind the fruit stand on your neighbors lawn.
Posted by:
Why all the comments?
Monday, November 17, 2008 8:23 PM
Seems to me she has a pretty cut and dry case and the YMCA is getting petty about the whole thing. Tell AT&T that they can't have booths in their yard. Start there.
Posted by:
YOU SAID.....
Monday, November 17, 2008 6:32 PM
"I wish the Town had never allowed me a permit for the past three years." THEN STOP MAKING ONE RIDICULOUS EXCUSE AFTER ANOTHER.....AND.... QUIT.
Posted by:
I agree w/4th of July
Monday, November 17, 2008 6:26 PM
I have to say i agree with the 4th of July person because seriously what if someone starts selling fireworks and junk in there yard for then and Newyears. Then in the festival they tell the lisence people they will sell something like candles and incense or purses or something then sell knives and maybe things that look very sexual related!!! Maybe upunder the table or something!!!!! That would be sooooooo gross and wrong!!! But it could happen!!! If that Britt woman isn't stopped now by God it will get like this i bet!
Posted by: lives by Summ. Elem.
Dear 4th of July
Monday, November 17, 2008 1:29 PM
Please re-read my comments. I wish the Town would continue to be fair. Everyone has a choice whether or not to shop on my property just like they do Mrs. Smiths (Summerville daycare) and the 20 Bellsouth booths. They are not a part of the festival. Mrs. Smith has been told twice to stop and the town changes thier mind when she threatens to get an attorney. They both have craftors and food booths just like me.
Posted by: Gina Britt
4th of July anyone?
Monday, November 17, 2008 9:28 AM
Ok....so the town lets Ms. Britt use her property for commerical purposes......then the next 4th of July someone living in that area of main street want to rent to a fireworks stand and cites the Britt permit as to why they should be able too.....The town made a mistake by letting this take place in the first place...now is the time to correct it......Ms. Britt stated that now she wishes she never had done this at all.....well then, stop now......
Posted by:
Conflict of Interest?
Monday, November 17, 2008 8:55 AM
Y Board Member: Jackson "Stokes" opposes the Britt's. Town Attorney: Mark "Stokes" to look into this matter. Is it just me, or there a possible family conspiracy here against the Britts from all sides? The Y's board is made up of alot of "Self Absorbed" Summerville "hoy-paloys". It's time to clean out the current Y management, get the national organization involved and put the "C" first in our local organization! Bullying local residents makes the Y look about as childish as their programs for "3 and unders".
Posted by: C'mon Town Council Get Your Act Together!
Give / Get
Monday, November 17, 2008 7:37 AM
How about Gina is allowed to do this so long as she pays a percentage to the Y and must follow vendor rules set by the Y as well. Everybody wins. Hard to regulate, I know...
Posted by:
Shh, don't say that too loudly!
Sunday, November 16, 2008 11:20 AM
Yes, the park is zoned R-1 which most people do not know. That's why Gina should get an attorney. That's really all it will take.
Posted by: Get a lawyer, Gina!
Sunday, November 16, 2008 11:18 AM
The Britts and the YMCA need to compromise and end this dispute.This ongoing battle hurts both. The Y looks like a bully and the Britts come off looking like they're not civic-minded. Give a little, folks!
Posted by:
Azalea Park Zoning R-1
Sunday, November 16, 2008 10:40 AM
The park is zoned R-1 as is the Britts and all of her residential neighbors. Hmmm wonder if that changes how the town would think regarding the ordinance as they now have put hand cuffs on the "Y" and their use of Azalea Park. Did you know that Mr Town Attorney?
Posted by: Zoning Technicality
Maybe everyone should have a festival in their yard
Saturday, November 15, 2008 9:04 PM
This is getting out of hand. We have laws, zoning and ordinances that are passed by elected officials. The Britts I think have had many yard sales in their yard the past few years. OK by me. But if everyone rented booths out on their Main Street front yard, you can imagine what that would do to the Y and the festival. Its a good money maker for the Y and the town needs the Y to provide the recreation it does at a nominal fee. Otherwise we will all get a higher property tax on our homes to pay for the recreation to be provided. Or worse yet, kids will not have the option of a gymnastics center, a wellness center, and the other programs the Y offers.
Posted by: Serge Fariloffski
Friday, November 14, 2008 10:47 PM
Why should any one organization have a monopoly on the town for three days. I don't think they have exclusive rights. The Britts should be free to do what they want on their own land as long as the proper permits have been acquired.
Posted by:
Friday, November 14, 2008 10:43 PM
soem comments refer to breaking a "law". The town council can create any law it wants -and repeal them. That's an arbitrary thing.
Posted by:
Friday, November 14, 2008 10:40 PM
exactly what does this festival cost the taxpayers in police, sanitation, advertising,etc? How much gets reimbursed. It's not reasonable to expect the town to cover the expenses.
Posted by:
Friday, November 14, 2008 10:38 PM
Because they thrive on public funds the YMCA should disclose the percentage of local vs out of town vendors that apply for slots and are successful.
Posted by:
Friday, November 14, 2008 7:05 PM
No one is questioning whether the Y is a worthwhile group or not, or whether the festival is fun. But to expect everything else to take a backseat and people to be inconvenienced without any sort of compensation is really is unreasonable.The Y has MULTIPLE fundraisers, in addition to competitive monthly rates (that some people still can't afford). They need to work with people and be a good neighbor and support their own expenses without taxpayers.I wonder if we moved everything out to the Ponds if the neighbors there would be upset?
Posted by:
Forever grateful is another story in the Journal!
Friday, November 14, 2008 4:12 PM
This is so sad! I can not believe that the Top Story is about me! Why not spend some time writing letters of appreciation to the Veterans of our country. It is because of them that I have the right to even own the LAND that my home sits own! It's a sad day indeed when we forget the freedom that America stands for. Sometimes, I wish the Town had never allowed me a permit for the past three years. But then, I remember that I do not live in a dictator country and I have every right to fight for what I know in my heart is fair! I'm not the first person to be told that they can not rent spaces on their property...Mrs. Smith that has Summerville Daycare on her property has been told twice over the past 20 years that she can no longer rent spaces. She told me that each time she had to threaten to get an attorney and the Mayor decided to allow her to continue. The bottom line is that I have not given any money to the YMCA. Nor has the YMCA given any money to me for causing my insurance to stop covering my home during the festival. Why can't I continue YMCA? What have I taken from you? You have windshiled replacement vendors and cosmetic vendors and many, many others businesses that do not meet the arts and crafts guidelines. My vendors get the same license yours do. I will continue to fight for what is right and I thank everyone for their letters to my house, the phone calls and all of the supportive comments on line!
Posted by: God blees us all! Gina Britt
A yard sale is a great idea!
Friday, November 14, 2008 3:47 PM
A yard sale permit is the same as a special use permit, right? Historic district residents can only have four yard sales per year! I guess Gina will use up three of hers during the festival...oh well. I think I'll call my friend Gina and see if I can sell my childrens used clothes, my husbands loud power tools and my sons extremely loud motorcycle and sound system! Maybe she can have a car wash at the same time and let the water run down her driveway all the way down Main Street! Or better yet, we'll have a dog wash day! Be careful what you wish for YMCA supporters!
Posted by: D. Morgan
The YMCA is a Fine Institution.
Friday, November 14, 2008 1:50 PM
My Children go to the YMCA programs on a daily basis.The people there are dedicated and friendly.I just wonder why both the YMCA and residents can'tcome to an agreement on splitting the rents to benefit all...At this point half is better than nothing. Please sit down and talk and come to a conclusion to benefit all
Posted by: Chris Pia
Can we bring up yard sales again?
Friday, November 14, 2008 1:41 PM
What is the difference between a temporary permit for a yard sale and a temporary permit to do what they want to do? I don't think she is asking anything unreasonable and I don't think anyone should really care this much about it. She has extra space, the YMCA denies vendors due to lack of space and so it really it is a win-win. The YMCA gets a "fuller" festival and the families on Main Street get to participate. Big woop. My two cents is the YMCA is being a big bully to the little residents over some extra space and more vendors. Is it really worth all of this on the YMCA's side? I don't think so!
Posted by:
Hate? and Love in the same comment!
Friday, November 14, 2008 1:06 PM
What a strong emotion you are feeling! I'll pray for you! Please remember the "C" in YMCA stands for Christian. God is watching all of you. Remember not to JUDGE a sister in Christ. He loves her as much as he does you!
Posted by: G. Mintz
Friday, November 14, 2008 11:56 AM
If we start allowing user of residential properites to use their property for commerical purposes, where does it end? Once that door is open almost any other commerical enterprise can use that open door to argue that they should be allowed to (fill in the blank) in their front yard.........This issue is not really about dening MS. Britt, it is about not wanting to open that door..........
Posted by:
Friday, November 14, 2008 11:53 AM
Ms. Britt knew full well that the festival was being held each year when she moved here and did not have a problem purchasing the house knowing full well the street would be block'd......Her property is a RESIDENTIAL property and is for RESIDENTIAL USE not for rent as a commerical property and she knew that when she bought it. If she had any sense of "unity" for the town she would withdraw her request just as Tina did.
Posted by:
Great Impact!!!!!
Friday, November 14, 2008 11:25 AM
Some of the Great Things the Festival Does: 1. Family Oriented Festival 2. Social Event for all People 3. Raise money for children and adult YMCA Programs 4. Raise money for other local charities 5. Allows local business to advertise and hopefully increase tax base These are just a few. I am sure that you can come up with some that are not great, but if you weigh them out the positive is much larger than the negative. You can disagree with the zoning vote, but the festival is great for our community.
Posted by: I love Summerville Two.
Just Cancel
Friday, November 14, 2008 11:20 AM
I think that we would make all these people happy if we just cancelled the festival. Apparently it costs too much money to run and does not make a great impact on the community. Instead we will have a competition for the folks who can complain the most. That is what the vocal minority wants. Us to all be upset over everything. I love Summerville and the Festival. Does that mean I am a bad person? No, it means I am a Summervillian. You do not have to be born here to be one, you just have to love this place. I do. Do you?
Posted by: Love Summerville. Hate Complainers.
What LAW are you referring too?
Friday, November 14, 2008 10:07 AM
What LAW allows a private fundraiser to shut down a major highway that blocks a hotel, daycare and private homes? The original festival was only allowed to shut down 17A for a small parade. Now the YMCA has made the Hwy. shut down for three days! Can you imagine trying to have a funeral at the funeral home stuck in the middle of the festival? Maybe you are not referring to a LAW but rather "words" typed on paper that was made up to benefit the YMCA's funddraiser, not tax payers!
Posted by: P. Dubel
What?
Friday, November 14, 2008 7:11 AM
Move to another location? When 99% of these people purchased these homes the festival was already going on. Maybe we can pay them a fee. For others it is crazy. They assumed the risk when they purchased the home. She can take legal action if she would like, but the law is clear.
Posted by: Supporter of Common Sense
Response to Y Supporter
Thursday, November 13, 2008 10:13 PM
Sounds as though you have millions! I don't know about everyone else...but I'd fight to continue to make fifteen thousand dollars for my family. I assume you live in a house much nicer than Mrs. Britts and drive a car much better than hers! If not, I guess your comments over and over again lead to jealousy! If Mrs. Britt is not allowed to make money...I think the YMCA should pay the homeowners unwillingly affected by the festival a fee! Those homeowners did not ask the YMCA to completely block their homes! The Festival is suppose to be in the park! Why dosen't the YMCA use both sides of the park? The children's festival could set up on the Towns cleared land located between S. Magnolia and S. Gum Street. Or maybe yet...put the entire festival in the Unused parking deck that our tax dollars paid for! What will happen if the affected homeowners have a fire or someone in their family chokes and needs help? Would you not want your home and family to receive immediate emergency response? Thousands of people block their homes! YMCA supporters need to realize that Mrs. Britt is not trying to make the festival move to a new location, but I truly think she could. I know I would!
Posted by: P. Dubel
Lets think about this, council made a good decision.
Thursday, November 13, 2008 8:38 PM
The town has an ordinance that disallows the Britts, me and others from having a festival in our front yard. The town also allows the local YMCA, the only organized group that provides downtown recreation for a nominal fee, to have a festival once a year that is non-alcoholic, family driven, and craft minded to support the operations of the local YMCA. Why would we want to penalize the one organization from having its three day weekend by allowing someone to break the law and suck up the revenue that otherwise woudl go to this good cause organization. I grew up in this town and I can tell you, the youth need the YMCA and its programs. Without it, which will happen like others that close up shop, we will sorely miss the opportunity to provide recreation for our youth in their formative years. Lets get a grip here and thank town council for making a good decision.
Posted by:
To the "Y Supporter"
Thursday, November 13, 2008 7:59 PM
They don't pay to advertise it. We do. The taxpayers. It's our tax money. They use our tax dollars to put on this festival. Why deny residents?
Posted by:
Last item in the story;
Thursday, November 13, 2008 7:59 PM
Did this Annexation get pulled off of the agenda just like it did last month because one of the "Good Ole Boys" was not in attendance again? Last month Mr. Waring, this month Mr. Brown, sure makes one wonder!!!
Posted by: Inquiring Minds Want to Know.
Stop giving YMCA tax money
Thursday, November 13, 2008 7:57 PM
If the YMCA and festival have never has been (in) the interest of private enterprise then why do they use tax money from our hotels and eating establishments for their marketing? Why do they use our tax dollars for marketing and police services? Why do we allow this?
Posted by:
Thursday, November 13, 2008 6:33 PM
The Y uses OUR tax dollars from the competitive grant to pay for advertising. And the TOWN is the actual host of the festival. It's a fundraiser for the Y. They need to lighten up and let people use their own property. The Y is certainly not acting out its mission by their strong arm tactics.
Posted by:
Supports the "Y"
Thursday, November 13, 2008 4:36 PM
The "Y" is the sponsor of this event...they pay to advertise it, and have every right to pick and choose who is allowed as a vendor. If Mrs. Britt wants to "rent" her front yard, fine, but she should be required to pay a fee to the event sponsor to do so...If you go to a party you are expected to abide by the hosts rules...in this case the "y" is the hosts......Having to rent ones front yard to pay bills is embarassing!
Posted by: Y supporter
Don't Forget II
Thursday, November 13, 2008 4:26 PM
Yup...maybe Obama was right...it is time for a change. As Fed up with the Arrogance said, keep an eye on what your elected county council is doing for you. If you ain't happy, vote em out. By carefully screening vendors the YMCA controls who pays for the privilege of conducting business during the festival. Given time, they will drive all vendors away. They have forgotten what the "C" stands for in YMCA.
Posted by: The Loyal Opposition
Don't FOrget
Thursday, November 13, 2008 11:24 AM
Let's hope the voter's don't forget what Bib Flowers said - it's certain the off the cuff comment is what he really believes - when they go to vote this Spring. It's time to let the bus driver go back to doig what he really knows - driving busses!
Posted by: Fed up with the Arrogance
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