NORWAY — The Board of Selectmen unanimously voted Thursday night to place an article that would prohibit the use of fireworks in town except for special occasions on the June 9 ballot.
A public hearing will be held prior to the vote.
Nancy Hohmann, of 420 Crockett Ridge Road, presented the board with a citizens’ petition bearing 423 certified signatures of registered voters.
Selectmen had the choice of placing it on a special town meeting warrant, the annual town meeting warrant, or on the election ballot.
Town Manager David Holt suggested the question be put on the ballot to garner most interest.
“That way you get as broad a spectrum of voters as you can get,” he told the board.
In July, Hohmann presented a letter to the Board of Selectmen signed by scores of people asking for an ordinance to restrict or ban fireworks. The board advised her to circulate a petition requesting the question be placed on a ballot.
Hohmann attempted to get the question placed on the November state election ballot but failed to get the required number of certified signatures.
The sale of consumer fireworks became law in Maine in 2012, prompting some towns to draw up ordinances banning their use in certain areas or altogether.
The legislation to legalize the sale, possession and use of fireworks was created to promote new businesses and jobs, but some residents say it has simply become a nuisance and a danger.
Hohmann and others have said fireworks cause emotional harm to people, livestock, wildlife and companion animals. They can also cause epileptics to have seizures and can cause discomfort for asthmatics.
Around the time fireworks became legal in Maine, police Chief Rob Federico told selectmen complaints had risen from about three the previous year to 12 by the middle of 2012.
Federico said at that time that fireworks had been a problem in the Norway Lake area and North Norway for years prior to their legalization.
ldixon@sunjournal.com
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