Don't Let the Rock (Mike Zimmerman) Divide the Citizens of Franklin

Conquer and Divide - The Rock - Supporters and Haters

It now appears the strategy of Mike Zimmerman and supporters of the Rock is to paint anyone who does not agree with how Mike Zimmerman conducts his business at the Rock as a "Hater", "Complainers", or "Cry Babies".

Let's start with this: The Rock and its development are great for Franklin and the region.  The Rock draws in patrons who support the Rock and in some cases also support nearby hotels, restaurants, and bars.  This is ALL GOOD.

What is not good is how the Rock has been managed since its inception splitting a wedge right down the center of Franklin and its residents.  From the start, all Mr. Zimmerman and company had to do was to be a good concerned corporate citizen and work with his neighbors.  Show them some love and compassion like any hospitality business owner would always do.  Hear them out and find a middle ground.  Instead, most residents who voiced issues were faced with a sarcastic response by Zimmerman or his side kick County Supervisor Steve Taylor also ROC Foundation Executive Director.  

The Rock has continued to believe that they have been above the law and local ordinances because Zimmerman, Taylor, and a few others worked tirelessly to have John Nelson as Mayor.  The theory is that Nelson would rubberstamp and turn his head for the Rock along with his appointed Director of Administration, Kelly Hersch.

We reported that Mr. Zimmerman posted on a local Facebook Group that he received a citation for disobeying the sound ordinance on July 27, 2024.

At the Tuesday, September 3rd Franklin Common Council meeting, in the first 20 minutes during public comment, about 10 residents spoke about the sound from the latest event on Saturday, September 1, 2024.  The event was titled "Red, White, and Brews Festival".  Many residents had printouts from the sound monitoring unit that indicated the sound was between 65 and spiked as high as 92 decibels.  A copy of the permit provided by a citizen indicated the sound was approved at 55 decibels.  The citizens commented when the Rock was contacted about the sound, that their response was "We are not abiding by that".  The 55 decibels were also confirmed by Mayor Nelson.

Once again it appears that the laws and ordinances in the City of Franklin are for you and me, but not the Rock.  No this is not "Let's Hate the Rock".  This is, for all that is good Rock, can't you just follow the laws and ordinances like everyone else?  Why do you deserve a special pass, unlike any other resident or corporation that blatantly breaks the law?

Rock supporters are concerned that Mr. Zimmerman will receive another citation for breaking the law.  In a post made on the Franklin Area Community Page on September 3, 2024, Chrisn Cindy Dawes invoked that because this was a fund-raiser for the veterans and for the Fischer House, Mr. Zimmerman should not be fined.  Well done Chrisn Cindy Dawes, well done.  The only thing you did not do was talk about the American flag and apple pie!  

This is NOT about the Veterans or the Fisher House.  Most anyone supports veterans for putting their lives on the line every day to provide this county our freedoms and the Fischer House is an exemplary organization providing housing for veterans.  How dare you use veterans and the Fischer House as a reason to justify Zimmermann's lack of respect to follow the laws and ordinances of the city of Franklin.  Most veterans I know have respect for authority and the law, unlike Zimerman.  It's also amazing that the ROC Foundation led by County Supervisor Taylor was not part of the fundraising effort.  Oh never mind....the ROC Foundation would need to do something charitable other than pay the salary of County Supervisor Taylor.

Rather than defend the actions of Mr. Zimmerman, maybe the appropriate thing to do would be to appreciate the gesture of raising funds for a worthy cause but also have respect and accountability for the law.  The same respect and accountability you would show to your children if they continued to receive multiple speeding tickets for going over the posted 55mph limit.

This city needs to stop attacking each other.  We are all doing what Mike Zimmerman, Steve Taylor, and John Nelson want us to do.  Again I repeat, the Rock is good for Franklin and our region.  What is not good is a business owner who believes he is above the law, and the laws do not apply to him.

Maybe Zimmerman should take a page from the NEW Crystal Ridge Ski Hill, the former ROCK Snow Park.  This is a quote from the Press release announcing the New Crystal Ridge.  It seems THEY WANT TO WORK with their neighbors and be a part of a community and not tear down a community.

"The Crystal Ridge team and ownership are passionate skiers and snowboarders who aim to introduce the sport to as many people as they can each winter. This business embraces its local community while operating a family-friendly environment to get on snow on skis, snowboards, or tubes. The reimagined Crystal Ridge brand better aligns with these goals."

Apparently, the Goals of the former Rock Snow Park did not align with the Goals of the reimagined NEW Crystal Ridge.

Welcome to Franklin Crystal Ridge!