Thousands Call on Gov. Snyder to Repeal Fireworks Act

has prompted individuals and municipalities, including Berkley, to make noise of their own.

A petition to repeal the Fireworks Safety Act of 2011 – which was designed to increase revenue to the state and encourage citizens to buy consumer fireworks in Michigan rather than elsewhere – is gaining momentum at the same time Berkley is working to craft its own ordinance.

"The (law's) result has been a drastic increase in the amount and violence of private fireworks displays all over the state of Michigan, thereby endangering people, pets and property. It is not worth the additional revenue," West Bloomfield resident Brad Lang wrote in a letter to members of the Michigan civic action group, MoveOn, adding that is why he created a petition on SignOn.org.

The petition has attracted more than 4,700 signatures from all over the state and Metro Detroit, citing concerns including: record-breaking dry conditions, high costs for health care and noise pollution.

The SignOn.org petition, with a listed target goal of 5,000 signatures, reads:

"We call upon the members of the Michigan Legislature to immediately repeal the Fireworks Safety Act 256 of 2011, and for the Governor to sign that repeal, in the interest of the safety and well-being of the citizens of Michigan."

A number of Metro Detroit communities have enacted or are considering ordinances that would limit fireworks use, including the following:

• Birmingham Bans Fireworks Except on National Holidays

"Most communities are trying to address all other days that are not national holidays," Berkley City Attorney Dale Schneider said during a City Council work session July 16.

Schneider said he would recommend prohibiting fireworks on all days other than those allowed under the state law and using noise, nuisance or littering ordinances to address some of the issues related to the Fourth of July.

However, Schneider said he does not want to "push the envelope" and potentially open the city up to litigation.

City Manager Jane Bais-DiSessa asked that another work session be held to consider the matter.

"We must do something," Mayor Phil O'Dwyer said. "We are getting too many calls. People are distressed by this and it's dangerous."