It was standing-room only at the Monday, June 8, Stokes Township meeting in Lakeview. The main topic of discussion was what the trustees will do about the bad condition of Shawnee Path. (SHARYN KOPF | THE CHRONICLE)
Either it’s a road or it isn’t. Answering that question will be key to what Stokes Township decides to do about Shawnee Path.
It’s a long-term problem, especially for the owners of Pattie’s Place, a new entertainment venue that just opened on May 23 at 13534 State Route 235, Lakeview.
Pattie’s Place, which is owned by Theresa and Todd Dronsfield, creates a drive-in movie experience every Saturday specifically geared toward golf carts. Besides their 30 cart spaces, though, they also have room for people to bring lawn chairs and blankets as they enjoy classic movies like The Incredibles (Aug. 8), Raiders of the Lost Ark (Sept. 26) and, this Saturday, June 13, Back to the Future.
According to Theresa, they thought everything was fine until Stokes trustee Terry Honnold, who was set in charge of the problem, put up a “road closed” sign on May 23—the day Pattie’s Place hosted their grand opening and showed their first movie.
“It was closed and no one came and told us why,” Todd said at Monday night’s meeting. “It’s about safety, I understand, but you didn’t come to us.”
Trustee Chair Steve Terrill responded, “I think that’s fair.”
Honnold apologized for not saying anything, adding, “But the road was bad.”
When the Dronsfields bought the land, they offered to clear up the path for easier access. However, Theresa said, they felt the response they received over time grew continually worse until they finally decided to step out.
“I hate that it’s even happening,” Theresa admitted later. “We don’t want this drama.”
The photo shows Shawnee Path leading away from Pattie’s Place toward Chippewa. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Several other community members spoke up in support of the Dronsfields, including Lakeview Mayor Elaine Fagan-Moore. She started by reminding everyone that the Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose attended the ribbon cutting.
“It’s about community and bringing good things for everyone to enjoy,” Fagan-Moore stated. “Folks have been using Shawnee Path since Hector was a pup.
“Be loving. Be kind. And stop the tribal behavior. Come share some popcorn and let’s be the community Indian Lake is about,” she concluded.
Lakeview Fire Chief Joe Ferryman agreed that having the road improved is important to them as well as it offers “quick access.”
Terrill acknowledged the comments and said the trustees appreciated the discussion. In the end, though, the subject was tabled until the survey of the path is completed. At that time, a special community meeting will be conducted.
The Chronicle will keep you updated as the story progresses.
