It's a controversial issue that has community leaders in one northern Michigan community split.
Take a walk down Main Street in Frankfort, on any given winter day, and you'll see sparsely filled roads and sidewalks, which is felt at stores and restaurants.
"I can't make a living in the winter time here...talk to the rest of these people it's the same deal."
Long time business owner Bob McNeal says times are so tough financially he's forced to put his own money into the cash register just to keep the doors open during the winter months, but organizers of the proposed, Shiver By the River, say the first time event may help turn things around.
"This is huge! We could potentially have 12--hundred people coming to this event," said Chamber of Commerce’s Joanne Bartley.
What started out as a one day outing quickly grew into a three day snowmobile event which would take place at Frankfort's Open Space Park.
"A whole circuit of people that have these snow mobiles specifically made for the track, they're not made to go zipping along Main Street, or out in the middle of the woods," Bartley said.
"This not only allows my employees to put in additional hours and make more wages... an opportunity for locals to get out of the house," said Owner of Dinghy’s Restaurant Steve Christian.
But not every one agrees. During a recent council meeting the board denied the chamber's request with a split vote.
I spoke with councilman Fred Stransky, one of two council members who voted against the event, he tells me there simply wasn't enough time or information presented to make an informed decision. He adds that he would like to hear from neighboring businesses, like the library here behind me, to hear of any concerns or questions people might have.
While the library board president says he's not against the event itself, he is however opposed to the chosen location and the effect it could have on customers.
"We're open two of the three days the event is taking place so we do have concerns about the noise," said Jon Armstrong.
"It’s something we figure two people don't have the authority to stop and we're going to try to prove it," McNeal said.
A last attempt at what some say may just bring some extra life to the city that otherwise is mostly felt during the summer months.
You can voice your thoughts on the issue during a public hearing scheduled for Monday December First at 10:30AM at the Frankfort City Hall.
