7/26/13 - A local pinball wizard will be moving his machines into a new museum in Green Oak, but members of the public should not expect to get a turn with the silver ball. The Green Oak Township Planning Commission approved a special use permit by resident Clay Harrell last night. A retired computer analyst, Harrell has been collecting and restoring vintage pinball machines since the early 1990âs. He has over 100 now, with some dating back to the 1930âs. Having filled his warehouse and basement to capacity, Harrell began the process to purchase the vacant VFW hall on Spicer Road to use as a private museum to house and work on his machines. He asked for permission from the planning commission last night before signing the final documents to purchase the property. The planning commission asked a few questions to make sure there would be no major renovations to the building and that no commercial use would take place there. Harrell assured them that he had no intentions of opening an arcade, operating a repair shop, or selling machines out of the hall. With that assurance, the planning commission granted him the permit. Although the pinball machine museum generally will not be open to the public, Harrell tells WHMI the commission did give him the option of hosting special events over four weekends per year. That could include showcases of the machines or even tournaments. Harrell hopes to have the renovations done and his machines moved in sometime in the coming months. (TD)
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