The Singapore Archivesexplosive popularity of Pokémon Go got people off their asses in huge numbers, but the increased foot traffic -- and mess -- that came with them has opened the door to a legal kerfuffle in Milwaukee, Wis.
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance on Feb. 2 that places permit requirements on alternate reality games in public spaces. So if Niantic wants to have active PokeStops and Gyms in a Milwaukee park, for example, it would need to seek approval from the local government.
SEE ALSO: 7 things 'Pokémon Go' badly needs in 2017The issue first sprung up in July 2016, when Pokémon Golaunched. Larger-than-normal crowds turned up to chase Pokémon at Milwaukee's 138-acre Lake Park, and the resulting costs of enforcement and clean-up -- which were higher than normal -- fell to taxpayers.
The ordinance was introduced, then, to ensure that liability falls to the right parties. A permitting process gives the local government a mechanism for holding the ARG creator -- in this case, Niantic -- accountable when its game places an unnecessary cost on taxpayers.
According to the text of the ordinance, the large crowds in Lake Park last summer resulted in "increased litter and waste in the park, inadequate bathrooms to accommodate the high ratio of people, after-hours violations, enhanced security oversight, unauthorized vendors, significant daily traffic congestion, parking violations, trampled grass, and related concerns about sensitive flora and fauna areas."
You can view video evidence of the Lake Park crowds here and here as well as a Powerpoint doc presenting photographic evidence of the mess that was left behind.
The ordinance has been debated a number of times in Milwaukee County: twice by the Parks, Energy, and Environment Committee and twice -- including the most recent debate -- by the Board of Supervisors. You can find video from all but one of these meetings right here.
It's important to note that, although the ordinance received a "yes" vote in committee, it isn't yet the rule of law. It could still be vetoed at the executive level, though that could be overturned by a committee vote (they'll be meeting again on Feb. 16).
Even if you're not interested in Pokémon Go, the videos and legal documentation provide a fascinating peek into the inner workings of local government. It's definitely worth a look.
Topics Gaming Pokemon
44 GPU Fortnite Benchmark: The Best Graphics Cards for Playing Battle Royale
What We Aren’t Seeing by Francine Prose
What Remains by Kerri Arsenault
What We Aren’t Seeing by Francine Prose
Shop the Shark FlexStyle for 20% off at Amazon
What We Aren’t Seeing by Francine Prose
Cooking with Italo Calvino by Valerie Stivers
What We Aren’t Seeing by Francine Prose
Apple is actively looking at AI search for Safari
The Later Work of Dorothea Tanning by Craig Morgan Teicher
Asus VivoWatch 6 AERO measures blood pressure and ECG
Staff Picks: Boats, Brands, and Blasphemy by The Paris Review
Redux: Snap and Glare and Secret Life by The Paris Review
Return by Jill Talbot
Stablecoin bill advances in U.S. Senate as Trump critics call to end his crypto dealings
The Origins of Sprawl by Jason Diamond
Dear Building Residents by Lee Conell
Microsoft announces 'Copilot key' for easy AI access on Windows PCs
Time to Unite
How to enable Link History on Facebook
Staff Picks: Lawrence of Tell Halaf, Raging Nymphos by The Paris ReviewThe Soloist: Jason Moran Live at A Gathering of Tribes by J. D. MitchellA Week in Culture: Matthew Specktor, Writer and Editor, Part 2 by Matthew SpecktorWords We Don't Say; The Tao of Travel by Lorin SteinHempelian Moods; My Friend’s Fancy Book Deal by Lorin SteinHere's how out of whack Earth's climate is todaySnapchat stops promoting Trump's account in Discover#Babygate trends after Trump surrounds the White House with fencingPostscript: Celebrating Sybille Bedford by Sylvia BrownriggFrancine Prose on 'My New American Life' by Thessaly La ForceOn the Shelf by Sadie SteinGoogle will let advertisers use AI to create ad campaignsPeter Sellars on 'The Winds of Destiny' by Kevin BergerGood Food Writing; Crazy People by Lorin SteinHow to protect yourself onlineStaff Picks: 60 Fotos, Maud Newton's Rapture by The Paris ReviewJoe Dunthorne on ‘Submarine’ by Thomas BunsteadLAPD Zoom call: 8 moments you need to see from the angry, public roasting of policeMarnie the Dog's sister really, really hates copsA Week in Culture: Tom Nissley, Writer and Game Best Lego set deals: Animal Crossing, Botanicals, and more sets on sale NYT Connections hints and answers for April 11: Tips to solve 'Connections' #670. NYT Strands hints, answers for April 15 Best rope light deal: Save 25% on Lepro N1 AI Smart RGB LED Strip Lights NYT Connections hints and answers for April 13: Tips to solve 'Connections' #672. NYT Connections hints and answers for April 12: Tips to solve 'Connections' #671. Anker raises Amazon prices amid US tariffs Today's Hurdle hints and answers for April 14, 2025 Heist game 'Monaco 2' launches on Steam, PS5, Xbox Wordle today: The answer and hints for April 11, 2025 Best camping deal: Save $60 on the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 bundle at Best Buy New Chipolo Pop tracker works with Apple and Android devices Windows Recall 'gradually' rolling out in April 2025 Report: Used Teslas flooded the market in March 2025 NYT Strands hints, answers for April 13 Samsung 3D gaming monitor deal: Get $200 and a free headset Best Echo deal: Save $25 on Amazon Echo Show 5 Best streaming deal: Get a like Wordle today: The answer and hints for April 14, 2025 The internet is talking like Kevin from 'The Office' now
2.0386s , 10108.5234375 kb
Copyright © 2025 Powered by 【Singapore Archives】,Unobstructed Information Network