Sumpter Twp. planners recommend approval of rental parties at rink

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor
The Sumpter Township Planning Commission met May 8 to conduct a public hearing on a request for special exception use of the Sumpter Roller Rink, 19750 Sumpter Road, so rental parties and other events can be held there.
Two members of the commission abstained from voting – Sharon Claxton and Trustee Alan Bates – because they own property within 750’ of the rink.
The commission recommended approval of special exception use and sent the recommendation on to the township board for final action at its May 13 meeting.
Besides roller skating at the rink, owners Bewey Horn and Kathleen Spires seek the special exception so they can rent out the rink for other events, as well.
At a planning commission meeting in April, Horn and Spires told the commission that besides roller skating, they would like to have exercise classes, dances, party rentals, church revivals, graduation parties, and other gatherings.
Horn said the dances would not be loud parties. He said fraternities from Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan already have had roller skating parties for the first hour, followed by two hours of dancing.
They told the commission they would like to hold an after-prom affair that lasts until two in the morning.
He said he was advised that he should get special exception use approval in order to expand the uses of the roller rink, so that’s what they are seeking.