The Observation Deck

In preparation for the RNC and the people showing up for the convention, new rules at all of Lakewood Parks.


Including no super soakers, no bike locks, hmmmmmmmmm


Be safe.


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Quite a bit over the top if you ask me. These are basically the same items that are banned at the Q and the convention center all week. What do Lakewood parks have to do with those places? Is a riot fence and secure check points coming soon to a park near you?

Ironic thing is, registered guns are allowed, from what I hear, since they are not "prohibited by the laws of the State of Ohio". We don't want to trample anyone's rights now do we?

I have a bicycle lock that's been locked on my bike for so long I've forgotten the combination. Does that make it a terrorist weapon if I ride to the park?

When will they (12650 Detroit Ave.) get it that signs like these reflect very poorly on our community?

I am wondering--- will a potential troublemaker (view here several dozen stereotypes) upon considering entering one of our parks, stop-read (with a frown and hand under chin) and then upon reflection decide to move on?
Maybe it just means that a shrewd trouble maker will then decide to take temporary residence in one of our back yards.
Now that I'm thinking of it, I want a troublemaker deterrent sign for my yard.
Stan Austin

It appears to be a checklist. Will they have handouts and pencils to those that they profile on the borders of the city?

Oh, and I forgot to mention- I was out earlier in the morning and saw a sign at McBride Park on Lakewood Hts. Blvd. Problem was- it was dark and I couldn't read it. Also, the print was really small so I probably couldn't read it anyway.

The list looks like a suggestion from some federal agency. I wondered about the ordinances listed on the signs, and who has the authority to ban these items from OUR parks.

Read here from the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lakewood, Ohio:

905.98  AUTHORITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
   The Director of Public Works or his or her designee is authorized to make and establish such additional rules and regulations, not otherwise provided for and not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, as he or she may deem necessary to protect the public in the use of the parks and the facilities located therein and/or to protect and preserve such parks and facilities. No person shall violate any such rule or regulation if it is posted publicly.
(Ord. 16-13.  Passed 9-17-2013.)

905.99  PENALTY.
   Whoever violates any provision of this chapter, or fails to comply with any rule established and posted pursuant to Section 905.98, Authority of the Director of Public Works shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor.  Anyone found guilty of committing a second or subsequent offense within a twelve-month period shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(Ord. 18-10.  Passed 3-1-2010.)

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Stan Austin wrote:I am wondering--- will a potential troublemaker (view here several dozen stereotypes) upon considering entering one of our parks, stop-read (with a frown and hand under chin) and then upon reflection decide to move on?
Maybe it just means that a shrewd trouble maker will then decide to take temporary residence in one of our back yards.
Now that I'm thinking of it, I want a troublemaker deterrent sign for my yard.
Stan Austin

No doubt it would have to be a troublemaker with plenty of time to spend reading the list.

How dare all of you question Lord Lakewood's authority! Fifty lashes and five years of hard labor for you!

In slightly more seriousness, it appears that the only time the King of Lakewood, A.K.A. Lord Lakewood A.K.A. Michael P. Summers cares about "public safety" is when he can infringe on the rights of others. This is very similar to the whole "bag searching" routine at Lakewood Park during the fireworks. What determines who gets searched and who doesn't? The most suspicious-looking person?

Michael P. Summers appeared to not care about public safety when there was a serial rapist in Lakewood almost two years ago. He sat on information and failed to notify the public for roughly ten days, if I recall.

Michael P. Summers also appears to not have any regard for the falling apart, vacant homes with very tall grass. Houses like this are targets for burglars, squatters, and vandals.

I could go on, but I suspect that most of us understand most of this by now. Why does Summers appear to not care about these issues? I suspect it is because he cannot get as much of a power trip enforcing these pesky laws.

Also, doesn't the sign read something to the effect of "any item determined by the Chief of Police or Director of Public Safety to be a hazard?"

1. In my opinion, the Chief of Police is more of a figurehead. I feel that Summers calls almost all of the shots when it comes to policing and public safety.
2. In other words, it would appear to me that Summers can have any item confiscated that he does not like and have you prosecuted.
3. If this happens to you, it would probably be best to exercise your right to remain silent and call a civil rights lawyer.

Fifty lashes for me! No respect for Lord Lakewood!

Dan Alaimo wrote:No doubt it would have to be a troublemaker with plenty of time to spend reading the list.

Dan

I believe what Stephen Davis has posted was the park laws that came about from Councilman Juris' stance of "Nothing good happens in a park after dusk" regime.


No park exempt from outlawing bike locks!



Is this really how we want tourists to remember Lakewood?


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To paraphrase: if you take away parks from good guys, only bad guys will have parks.

Can anyone explain the bicycle lock thing? Seems to me that's a crime deterrent device.

Someone should forward one of these sign pix to the Daily Show. They'll be broadcasting from the West Side this week. Plus, there might be a few more Lakewood peccadilloes that would fit into their coverage.

Since most RNC visitors would not be familiar with the Lakewood City ordinances, I am surprised that alcohol was not posted on this sign. Since the mayor and council appear to approve more bars in Lakewood at every council meeting, perhaps this is for their benefit!

Dan Alaimo wrote:To paraphrase: if you take away parks from good guys, only bad guys will have parks.

Can anyone explain the bicycle lock thing? Seems to me that's a crime deterrent device.

Someone should forward one of these sign pix to the Daily Show. They'll be broadcasting from the West Side this week. Plus, there might be a few more Lakewood peccadilloes that would fit into their coverage.

Dan

It was pointed out to me by some of the law enforcement, safety people that read the Deck. Bike locks, all of them make a formidable weapon. Chain or cable with something heavy, the lock at the end.

I would say, stop bikes from getting stolen, then you can tell people to leave locks at home.

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I read this as bike locks are excluded if they are attached to a bike.