"The lighting event typically includes fireworks. The display fizzled in 2011 because someone called the police, who shut it down before it started.

It's against the law for residents to set off fireworks.

This year, Hoag got permission from Mayor Tom Perciak to rekindle the display. He said the city also sent two police officers to help ensure the safety of the 800 to 1,000 people gathered to watch."

Fireworks are illegal, but the mayor gave permission for Hoag to ignore the law, and orders police officers to supervise the illegal act. Will love to see how that plays out in court.

I thought fireworks were illegal? How many years is someone allowed to break the law. We need to start enforcing the laws we have before someone gets hurt. If we enforced the laws we have there would be less need for reactive legislation.

Can you say

GRINCH ????

But, if the fireworks did do damage, the neighbors putting on the fireworks should pay for that.
However, since Kevin became the property owner (per county records) in 2008, and it appears that property was acquired for $0 from someone else with the same last name, I assume his father, this Kevin dude knows what these folks over there do at Christmas - it was no surprise when he acquired the property, so get over it or move. Not like they started doing it after you became the owner!

GRINCH! GRINCH!!

Just don't move next to me. I don't need a nasty, complaining neighbor.

Mr. Roberts was always very happy with the display. He participated in the lights AND helped with the fireworks. He was especially happy when the money from the donations went to the Holy Family Cancer Center in memory of his mother. This is just a case of sour grapes from a person with alot of personal problems.
As far as the fireworks, they are done in a professional and safe manner that has been checked and approved. As we have always said, if you have a problem with the lights or the fireworks you don't need to come. BUT please don't deny this event to the thousands of people who enjoy it every year. It is only 6 weeks out of the year and it has done hundreds of people (both young and old) so much good. Every year more people benefit from the donations. Every penny is given away to someone or some charity who needs it. Isn't that what the season is all about anyway?

If there was damage he should have complained THAT day and not on 12/13 about his sister not being able to get through the crowd. This guy his being a jerk, doesn't like that his house isn't getting the attention!

The laws apply to everyone in America except me. LOL.

Seems like a scrooge who won't be happy until they are not allowed to do the lights/fireworks anymore. Why should one person be allowed to decide? I think it is wonderful. They raise money for charities and the Kids Love it! He knew when he moved in the street had this tradition. Too many things are being changed because of someone's feeling or beliefs. IF damage was done, show them a repair bill. I don't think there was any damage. He knew about the fireworks ahead of time I am sure, so how did it ruin his dinner? Since the mayor approved them and had police on the street it was legal. Keep up the good work. I sure hope he doesn't ruin it for everyone else!

I am a parent that brought my children to the Crown Point display for as many years as I can remember. I even have a friend who benefitted from the Crown Point donations gathered in the year before she passed. I am now bringing my grandson to see the lights along with many family members and out of town relatives and friends. It has truly become a family tradition for us. It is heartwarming to think that with all the problems in today's world that these families still take from their time and pockets to ensure that others enjoy the holiday season in a safe and tasteful family environment. If a homeowner's property was damaged then that is too bad and I am sure that Mr. Hoag will see that the wrong is righted. I say, please continue on in the spirit of giving and tradition.

"For the last 20 years, families on Crown Point Parkway have launched the holiday season at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving with a lighting ceremony."
No new news here! Eat earlier or at sisters house.
But don't deprive everyone else of the Christmas spirit.

Faith stated: "As far as the fireworks, they are done in a professional and safe manner that has been checked and approved". If this is true, I'm sure she would be willing to name the state licensed pyrotechnics operator who put on the exhibit, as well as the name of the fire department representative who signed off on an approval. I know that the state fire marshal's office has very stringent guidelines on fireworks exhibits, and I doubt that a residential heighborhood congested with homes and people would be granted consent under those guidelines.

How did this possibly ruin his "Thanksgiving dinner". Did it affect the way his turkey tasted? What a miserable person. I recommend he moves to the country with 20 acres to avoid any interaction with humans.

His complaint, filed Dec. 13, alleges debris from the fireworks damaged the roof of his house, his car and his lawn, and ruined his Thanksgiving dinner ....... ummmmm 3000.00
damage to a lawn in November ??? its still winter how can you tell
ruined his dinner??? the entire city knew of the event for the last 20 years at 6PM and yet, HE chose to have dinner at his house and at 6 pm
Damaged the roof on his house ???? if the damage happened at 6PM how did you see it happen???
Which leaves Damage to his Car ???? 3000.00 that must be some car

"Hoag said he will fight the complaint in court."

If anyone would like to help our fellow neighbor Mr Hoag defend this in court
please send your letter to

Thank You Dan Hoag
14395 Crown Point Parkway
Strongsville, OH 44136

I am sad for the person who is doing the complaining. Silly things like my sister couldn't get out of the driveway (was she ill, was there an emergency, why didn't you have someone stop traffic - I am sure Mr. Hoag would have helped if asked) or the fireworks ruined his roof?! I am sad for this person who is doing the complaining because his life must be sad. He must have many unresolved issues. Sad that one person feels compelled for his own reasons to ruin a beautiful feeling for hundreds and hundreds of other people. What can we do to help you, sir?

From Berea Muni Court website:
The Small Claims Court is a division of the Berea Municipal Court which allows parties to file MONEY ONLY claims up to $3,000.00 or counterclaims up to $3,000.00.

So, he is suing for the max. Wonder what actual damage happened to his roof - or is this a way to get his roof repaired that was needed before the fireworks? Like making someone else pay your bill - that someone being a person you have a problem with, so stick it to them. Sounds like this is more a problem of neighbors not getting along, a long time feud?, seeing as it looks like his dad owned the property for 30 years before Kevin acquired it in 2008.

Before moving to Strongsville 19 years ago, the realitor showed us Hoags neighboring house. When we exited, two women approached and told us that the block has a large Christmas Display. Although we bought elsewhere in Strongsville we appreciated the heads-up and frankly couldn't imagine how beautiful the street looks. Point being that this is not a new celebration and the residents forewarn anyone before they move in. Please keep the tradition going and don't let one family discourage you Crown Point residents.

Just to clarify things, Mr. Roberts was actually living on the street with his parents when the rest of us moved in. He is one of the first homes built on the street. That being said, he was more than willing to decorate and come to neighborhood parties and have input on who the donations went to for many, many years.
Another side note to Mr. Brennan. We have approval from the Strongsville City Police Department and the Strongsville City Safety Director. Unfortunately, I have not seen it in writing at this point or I would happily share it with you. Do we have a state approved professional setting off the fireworks? The answer would be no. Do we have experienced people setting off the fireworks? Yes with many years of backround. As I mentioned earlier, Mr. Roberts happily participated in setting these off for many years. That much we do have proof of - many pictures in many family photo albums.
Instead of focusing on what you feel is negative, Mr. Brennan. Would you like to come over and view the pictures of all the Make a Wish children who have benefitted and the letters thanking us for donation? You are more than welcome to do that at any time.
I also would like to address the mention of Mr. Roberts sister being at his home when the fireworks were going off and not being able to leave. If she was there she must have walked. I WAS there and her car was nowhere to be seen. Interesting.

Just some friendly advice from a litigation perspective; Don't write anymore Faith. No need to incriminate in this media.

you people should look at the damage to his car before passing judgement on him
I was there and I took pictures >>>>>>>>>>>> .
http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A0PDoKpHOPhQ4jEAVOyJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBlMTQ4cGxyBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1n?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dcar%2Bon%2Bfire%26ei%3DUTF-8%26fr%3Dyfp-t-701%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D14&w=1600&h=1200&imgurl=www.thenayshun.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F10%2FCar_fire_6_24_2004-1.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Faccident-damagedcarpictures.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Finteresting-car-on-fire.html&size=481.6+KB&name=%3Cb%3ECar%3C%2Fb%3E_%3Cb%3Efire%3C%2Fb%3E_6_24_2004-1.jpg&p=car+on+fire&oid=8cd4630b7c4b1ee3732ee8f464444045&fr2=&fr=yfp-t-701&tt=%253Cb%253ECar%253C%252Fb%253E_%253Cb%253Efire%253C%252Fb%253E_6_24_2004-1.jpg&b=0&ni=160&no=14&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=12kbg0mf6&sigb=132p2i57h&sigi=126n92185&.crumb=skr1Nd.BF3q

My family and I have attended the celebration for a number of years and were in attendance in 2012 -- 11 of us in total. First of all, none of us recall seeing a car parked in Mr. Roberts' driveway at the time that the fireworks were being set off. It would have been hard not to see it as we walked on the sidewalk that lies between Mr. Roberts' house and the Hoag residence before and after the lighting ceremony. Judging by the look of excitement on the faces of the children and adults alike, I would hate to see any part of the enjoyment come to an end because of one disgruntled neighbor. If the fireworks were permitted by the major and with the blessing of the safety director, then who are we to criticize? Congratulations to the Crown Point cul-de-sac (minus Mr. Roberts) for the painstaking hours spent setting up the display, for willingly increasing their own electric bills to bring joy to others, and for collecting donations to give to very worthy causes. Thank you for all that you do to bring positive attention to the neighborhood and to the City of Strongsville. Mr. Roberts, I hope that your heart grows three sizes some day soon.

What a bunch of who-ee. Folks, this man owns a house and property. Perhaps he did participate years ago, however, as time passes so do circumstances. If this spectacle has lasted approx. 20 years, than people living there are 20 years older. Priorities change as well as health and wealth. A person 55 at that time is now 75.

Why should this person have to have his Thanksgiving disturbed yearly? Doesn't he have a right to be thankful? Share dinner and times with family/friends? What about his rights?

It seems that there is a group of people so rapt with the over-the-top celebration and bragging rights, they have forgotten to be respectful of others. If outsiders will be disappointed if the annual event is tamed, then let them create their own colossal on their street. Then, the people like Mr. Hoag can have a respite by handing the baton to others.

This would be a wonderful beginning of a new event. People could be made aware of the change of locale in advance. Finally, people on that street and surrounding areas will get to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas in their own ways.

Debbie while you are right in saying that times changes things - it doesn't change things for all people - that's how traditions are born and continue to enhance all of our lives.
The question here is what is really bothering bothering Mr. Roberts. Has he had an issue with a neighbor? Is he not feeling well himself? Why would anyone cause such a stir over what the majority of people love and cherish?
I do feel for Mr. Roberts. But typically in this country majority rules and since 10 our of the 11 neighbors have no problem with the display/fireworks, etc. as a matter of fact they also look forward and participate in it, then perhaps the majority rules should be in effect in this matter. And if Mr. Roberts has grown so old that he can't enjoy Christmas anymore, perhaps it is time for him to look for a senior citizens neighborhood...preferably one that does not allow children or sining or pets or good spirits to reside. So sad, Mr. Roberts!
There must be a way to amicably settle this dispute. Christmas is not something to argue about - it's a time to enjoy being alive - it's a time to enjoy all the wonders of Christmas. This type of issue truly brings the Grinch to everyone's mind.

i've heard that not all the rest of the neighbors are that crazy about this, but tolerate the whole thing just to avoid the hassles. Dan & Faith Show all the way.

Fireworks in the city are ILLEGAL. Will the Mayor allow me now to shoot off fireworks whenever I want to? He's opened a can of worms here. Don't know what fireworks and Christmas lights have in common; lights are fine, fireworks seems over the top.

One more time, the fire department has to sign off on fireworks displays, the mayor or police chief/safety director does not have that authority. But I did forgot about the Christmas lighting event on the Commons the past two years that has included fireworks. I guess when the fire chief is beholden to the mayor, that approval is a foregone conclusion

I have known the Paliwodas and Hoags for many years. They are two of the most giving gererous families I ever met in my life. Debbie "bragging rights" don't even factor into the equation here. They do this to make others happy. Dan, Dan, Faith and Gennifer thank you so much for keeping your wonderful tradition. ...may it go another twenty years. Mr Roberts I hope you figure out what's really eating you and resolve the issue. Mr Wells it's people like you who made me happy I left Strongsville. The words "I heard" are amongst the worst in the English language. Shame on you for being a gossip. Dan I'm sorry this is happening to you and your family. I'm hoping things rule in your favor

BA A HUMBUG

Has anyone seen the you tube video of Strongsville Thanksgiving day fireworks to see how safe the fireworks are deployed at 14395 Crown Point Parkway. It should be on the chandler Commons web page for prospective home buyers.

Gee what is the diffefence between theses folks and the drunks ? Maybe there were alot more fireworks ?

well its pretty clear by the video that this was posted by Mr Roberts himself, But it is a great video to prove how petty this man was. he claims that his thanksgiving dinner was ruined by the fireworks display, but he spent his dinner in his back window taping the event.
Also this video will kill his own claim in court because it shows 2 thing about the fireworks, the first being the wind direction, which was blowing away from his property as would the car,roof,lawn damaging hot ashes and second how small and minor these fireworks were, these were smaller than what we let our kids shoot of on the beach at hilton head
Thank you Mr Roberts For Posting your evidence on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoJQa6KCpRY

friv·o·lous
[friv-uh-luhs]
adjective
characterized by lack of seriousness or sense: frivolous conduct.

self-indulgently carefree; unconcerned about or lacking any serious purpose.

(of a person) given to trifling or undue levity: a frivolous, empty-headed person.

of little or no weight, worth, or importance; not worthy of serious notice: a frivolous suggestion.

Shooting off fireworks is still illegal without a permit from the fire department, in addition to being done by a licensed exhibitor. The fire marshal has the final say, not the mayor. Please feel free to call the Strongville Fire Department's fire prevention bureau for clarification, the number is on the city website. Despite what some posters on this site may believe, this video will probably help Mr. Roberts' case.

terry b or food dude or steve, chooch or whoever you want to post as next
here is the state law on firework and who can issue them

A permit may be issued by a mayor, village president or town chair or any person designated by the mayor, village president or town chairperson.
now all these other people you are trying to claim are positions hired by the mayors office and report to him (and can be replaced by him)
so keep trying your case who I assume is Mr Roberts himself behind all these first time posters

Here's some info from the Ohio State Bar Association regarding Ohio law and fireworks:
https://www.ohiobar.org/forpublic/resources/lawyoucanuse/pages/lawyoucanuse-521.aspx

And more detailed in the actual Ohio Revised Code:
http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3743
scroll down to 3743.54

holding what bag ?????? he is not being charged with anything ????? he is being sued by a neighbor, WHO if I am not mistaken has to show proof of damage caused from those little sparklers he was shooting off, and MR Grinch's own video which he was shooting from inside his house instead of having his dinner which was "ruined" he needs to prove his lawn was damaged and car and roof, which by the wind direction and distance from the house seems unlikely
everyone is so focused on permission or not permission of fireworks all this is is a childish lawsuit brought on by a unhappy person ...............who instead of joining his neighbors in a celebration "like he had done many times before" ....chose instead to hide in a dark room in his house and videotape what the rest of his neighbors were doing ........... this again is all about proof and how do you prove that 10 minutes worth of fireworks "ruined your dinner"

With all of these evidence pictures, nobody posted Mr Roberts ruined Thanksgiving dinner. So here it is. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTxo4oblTQqX3_1pgGG0RSHnvDYwbWvTovjQL_ap7_b1CDSNYpX

Here's another one. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTjmIfPKxtba-T65EJSdADT9RZhJxgo2Efq6kdZoUdBKUSxsW5J

Nevermind I forgot about the picture of the burnt turkey. My bad.

Well tomorrow is the big hearing and I would like to wish Dan and Faith Good Luck!

Let’s put our emotions aside for a moment. It is against Ohio law for an individual who does not posses a license issued by the State Fire Marshal to set them off. Individuals who violate the fireworks law face first-degree misdemeanor criminal penalties.A first time offender can be sentenced to up to six months in jail and also fined up to $1,000.Subsequent conviction is a fifth-degree felony potentially punishable by a prison term of up to one year. I do not believe Mr. Hoag and possibly others would enjoy that. Even the most experienced licensed pyrotechnic display companies have experienced various degrees of failures during their events. Here are some facts.Number of injuries caused by fireworks in 2010 (8,600) Number of fires caused by fireworks in 2009 (18,000) Amount of direct property loss caused by fireworks in 2009 ($38 million). Please go to
http://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/108534/2011fwreport.pdf
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/focus/fireworks.shtm
https://www.ohiobar.org/forpublic/resources/lawyoucanuse/pages/lawyoucanuse-521.aspx
http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3743
Hopefully this has educated those city officials who may have been involved with providing Mr. Hoag verbal permission to conduct his firework display.Keep in mind we all have a right to live in a neighborhood free from illegal activity. It is the responsibility of our city officials to ensure that this is the case to the maximum extent possible.Ignorance of a law is not an excuse for violating it.

This was a small claims suit, not a criminal one.
AND
More is involved here than setting off the fireworks. We all have learned from their day in court that Kevin Roberts has had an agenda for years - according to his own sister, her brother vowed to live in the Crown Point Parkway house, which originally belonged to their father, for the rest of his life "just so he can make the neighbors' lives as miserable as possible." And, it was also revealed that "Roberts' late father apparently began to dislike the lights and the crowds, to the point he was charged with cutting Hoag's electrical wires in about 2002." So, now the son has carried on the vendetta and can't let go of what ever brought this all about.

So, once the fireworks part is settled, do people really think this Kevin dude will be happy? I really don't think so. He just was able to use the fireworks and the legality of same to get back at him. But, this has also brought the mayor, safety director and police department scope of authority into question. As much as I'd like to say that the mayor should be able to authorize this, IMO, the Ohio Code is rather clear that the fire chief MUST have approved this. And, chances are, if he were asked to, or if the mayor had referred it to him, this activity would not have taken place because they did violate the code - again, IMO. Regardless of whether people think it is safe or not, there are restrictions.

FIREWORKS CASE SETTLED
Well it's about time!

From Fox 8 News

BEREA, Ohio– A judge has dismissed a man’s claim that his neighbor’s fireworks display ruined his Thanksgiving dinner.

However, the judge did rule that the neighbor must pay the man cleanup costs from the fireworks debris that fell on his property.

Kevin Roberts of Strongsville sued his next door neighbor, Daniel Hoag, after he claims a fireworks display this past Thanksgiving ruined his holiday dinner.

The lawsuit claimed fireworks debris fell on Roberts’ home and yard, and a family member suffered emotional distress from the crowds of people blocking the driveway to watch the display.

Monday, a judge ordered Hoag to pay just more than $300, plus court costs and interest, to the plaintiff for the cleanup costs.

But the judge threw out the claims for emotional distress and spoiling Thanksgiving dinner.

Hoag said he has received a tremendous outpouring of support and donations and the money left over after the settlement will be given to charity.

I believe the court should pay the interest for taking so long to make it's decision.