HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM C & G NEWSPAPERS
Township
Paul
awards Santa a key to the city in order to easily deliver presents. The township held its annual Christmas Aglow celebration Dec. 7.
Photo by Nick Powers
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
FRASER — Few people would take a dip in a 38-degree swimming pool unless they had a good reason.
That reason for nine bold Fraser residents was raising funds for those in need during the Christmas season. The event was
part of the city’s Dec. 7 Christmas in Fraser event at Steffens Park. Both the city’s mayor and mayor pro tem did the event last year and this year.
“You cannot prepare for it,” Fraser Mayor Michael Lesich said.
Mayor Pro Tem Dana Sutherland’s strategy this year was to “get out quickly.”
“I was more mentally prepared this year
Christmas Aglow brightens up Clinton Twp.
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Santa was in attendance as Clinton Township got in the holiday spirit with its annual Christmas Aglow celebration Dec. 7.
ees
The big man in red was dropped off by a fire truck and made his way down a lighted path to the gazebo just south of the Clinton-Macomb Public Library. Attendees gathered around as Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem gave Santa a key to the city in order to make his deliveries a bit easier. A countdown started after the speech and, true to the event’s name, the grounds lit up with a holiday glow.
Following the ceremony, Christmas merrymakers made their way to the township’s senior center for hot chocolate. Kids also were able to put in their requests for Santa.
“I know families enjoy that opportunity to see Santa,” Gieleghem said. “Santa did a great job.”
“For a lot of families that’s their picture with Santa every year,” Clinton Township Recreation Director Brian Kay said. “They come to our event for their Santa experience, and we can’t thank them enough for that.”
See AGLOW on page 11A
FRASER OFFICIALS, RESIDENTS TAKE POLAR PLUNGE FOR A CAUSE
because I knew what to expect when I hit the water and got out because I think it’s that initial shock when you hit the water that’s probably the worst part,” Sutherland said. “Really, after you get out, you don’t feel the cold as much.”
This marked the second year of the event, which was organized by Sutherland. She was inspired by communities in North-
ern Michigan that do similar events.
“I just really am grateful to those who decided to take the plunge to help raise money for the Fraser Goodfellows,” Sutherland said.
Last year, the city used a smaller inflatable pool. The 2023 event had warmer conditions, and the city had to put ice in the
See PLUNGE on page 15A
Clinton
Supervisor
Gieleghem
SECOND FRONT PAGE
3A/ FRASER-CLINTON
• DECEMBER 18, 2024
Christmas in Fraser brings yuletide cheer
FRASER — Christmas in Fraser returned to Steffens Park Dec. 7 with added activities to get attendees into a noel state of mind.
“I thought it went great,” Fraser Mayor Michael Lesich said. “We seemed to have had more people this year than last year. By all accounts, people I talked to said it was amazing.”
Santa was on hand at the event and received a key to the city from Lesich in order to make his deliveries a bit easier.
The event featured ice sculpture carving, fire dancing and a petting zoo with pony rides. The petting zoo and fire performance were added this year. Dancers from the Encore the Dance Centre did a performance. The Fraser High School marching band did a set ranging from classics to contemporary songs like Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”
Fraser First, a booster club in the city, provided hot chocolate and cookies. The national and junior honor societies from Fraser schools volunteered to serve hot dogs. Lesich said the Fraser Department of Works and Recreation Coordinator Chris Delmege outdid themselves with this year’s celebration.
The event stretches back at least 30 years, according to Lesich. The celebration was halted when the city had budget issues in 2017 and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lesich said this was the best Christmas in Fraser the city has done in years.
“COVID hit, things slowed down and we’ve slowly been building this back up,” he said. “This is the best one we’ve had since COVID.”
— Nick Powers
TOP LEFT: Steffens Park glowed brightly with holiday cheer during Christmas in Fraser on Dec. 7.
LEFT: The Fraser High School marching band kicked off the holiday event in front of City Hall. The band played classics and contemporary covers like Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”
Photos by Nick Powers
ABOVE: The event also featured fire dancers.
Photo provided by Mary Matuz
NEWS & NOTES
‘Tis the season to ‘smile’
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP — Anyone who would like to give a veteran a merrier Christmas is encouraged to participate in the Michigan Veteran Homes “Make a Veteran Smile Campaign.”
Record a video message of gratitude to a veteran, write a personalized letter or make a monetary donation to the MVH Charitable Support Fund that funds quality-oflife programming and initiatives.
Please share holiday messages by Dec. 23. Video messages can be shared on social media by tagging Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township with the hashtag #MakeaVeteranSmile.
Letters from a group, team or individuals are welcome. Please use large writing, dark ink and do not include envelopes. Large format cards or banners that can be displayed work, too, as can standard food tray liners.
Letters, banners and tray liners can be addressed to ATTN: Make a Veteran Smile and can be either hand delivered or mailed to: Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township, 47901 Sugarbush Road, Chesterfield Township, Michigan, 48047.
For more information about making a monetary donation contact Ryan Engle, director of development and strategic engagement for MVH, at engler3@michigan.gov.
DNR ANNOUNCES PARK UPGRADES
LANSING — On Dec. 10, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced 15 community recreation facilities projects recommended for a combined $8 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants. The projects recommended for funding are in Berrien, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gogebic, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. That funding will support outdoor ice arena improvements, a township playscape, an Americans with Disabili-
ties Act accessible outdoor viewing platform, trails, splashpads and more. Local projects include:
• City of Eastpointe (Macomb County) Kennedy Park splash pad, $500,000
• Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority (Macomb County) North Marin Bathhouse at Lake St. Clair Metropark, $500,000
• City of Ferndale (Oakland County) Harding Park inline skating rink replacement, $100,000
A time to celebrate
WARREN — At press time, Macomb Community College staff and students were scheduled to celebrate the 111th commencement Dec.13 at the Sports and Expo Center on Macomb’s South Campus. Nearly 350 graduating students were expected to participate in the ceremony, receiving 1,220 certificate and degree credentials for spring/summer and fall semesters.
Three graduating students were asked to be guest speakers.
Kandace Costanza, 33, of St. Clair Shores, was insecure about starting college but overcame that with help from her professors and getting involved in student activities. Costanza graduated with an associate of applied science degree and plans to attend Wayne State University to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
Silvia Donahue, 29, of Chesterfield, was adopted at a young age from Xela, Guatemala. Donahue graduated with three associate degrees, one in arts, another in business administration with a specialty in general business and a third degree in business administration with a specialty in marketing. She plans to attend WSU to complete a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing.
Misha Safranski, 52, of Macomb, delayed her education after getting married and starting a family. Safranski was “terrified” when she came to school but conquered her fears to earn an Associate of Arts degree. She would like to continue her education at Oakland University to complete a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.
Projects were scored and selected from a field of 16 grant applications from local units of government and two applications from the DNR totaling $9,145,200. All eligible proposed projects received a site visit from DNR grants management staff, and all applications were evaluated, scored and ranked.
Funds are available to states through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program for land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities.
The Best Gifts Come In Small Packages
Fraser sets district for industrial road improvements
Council also OKs water rate increases
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
FRASER — A once controversial project to improve roads in the Fraser Industrial Park roads sailed through the Fraser City Council’s Dec. 12 meeting.
The difference this time was a sharing of the burden. The estimated total cost of the project is $16 million, according to City Manager Elaine Leven. The state will pick up $4 million of the tab, and the city will contribute $4 million from its general fund. Businesses in the industrial park will cover 25% of the total project cost through a special assessment district, not to exceed $4 million. The remaining amount, approximately $4 million, would be paid for through a bond over a 15-year term. The term of the SAD for the businesses in the industrial park would also be for 15 years.
In order to get the 15-year term for the SAD, the council needed to amend its ordinance to expand its previous limit on SADs from 10 years. The new 15-year term limit
was unanimously approved by the council.
At the council’s Nov. 14 meeting Jeff Siciliano, representing the businesses in the industrial park, said the businesses preferred a SAD over a 15-year term.
The Dec. 12 meeting set the industrial park’s role in the funding for the project. The next step will be to set a public hearing where the precise costs to each business for the SAD based on front footage would be provided. This would allow business owners to protest the tax assessment on their property for the district. The public hearing is set for the council’s regular meeting on Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Prior to this meeting, Fraser Mayor Michael Lesich said letters would be sent out to the businesses stating what they will pay out.
Ken Imler, a business owner in the industrial park, praised the work of the council on the project during public comment.
“I’m excited with the progress we’ve made at this point,” Imler said.
The city had applied for additional funds from the federal government, through U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, but there are no new updates on that potential funding source, according to Lesich.
The project fell through last year. Business owners attended a meeting on June 8, 2023, to speak out against taxing residents to fund the project, according to previous reporting in the Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle. Following a public hearing at the council’s meeting on Aug. 10, 2023, the tax funding for the project fell through.
“If you work with your partners and you continue to listen to them, then you find common ground, you can get things done,” Lesich said after the meeting. “And we did that. I appreciate the council’s support in doing that because a year ago that was not in the cards at all.”
Roads to be improved in the Fraser Industrial Park include Malyn Boulevard, Commerce Road, Riviera Drive, Doreka Drive, James J Pompo Drive, Cross Drive, Mike C Court, Vermander Drive and Bennett Drive.
“It feels great that we’ve actually moved forward investing in that industrial park and making it, at least for the road, state of the art,” Lesich said after the meeting.
New water rates get set
The council unanimously approved in-
creased water and sewer rates for 2025 at the Dec. 12 meeting. The increase comes following a study by Municipal Analytics.
“We’re actually spending this money to directly improve the reliability and safety of the system,” Lesich said after the meeting. “To make sure we can put out fires where we need to put out fires.”
In March, rates will increase by an average of 8%, with subsequent increases occurring each July. While the increase starts in March, residents would see the changes on their April bill. Residential rates for 1-inch and 5/8-inch meters were combined.
John Kaczor, Municipal Analytics’ founder and principal consultant, provided the council with information about needed increases to the rates at the council’s September and November meetings. Kaczor outlined several ways this could be done at each meeting. The need for the increases is to fund capital improvement plans to update aging infrastructure.
According to Kaczor’s presentation at the Nov. 14 meeting, rates in July of 2026 and 2027 would increase by a similar amount to 2025. In 2028, the increase would go down to 5.5%.
See FRASER on page 13A
County removes sewer blockage at source of flooding on Kelly
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
MACOMB COUNTY — Logs, railroad ties and tires are items you might expect to find at a dump. But these items gummed up the works in a pipe that drains stormwater, contributing to persistent flooding on a road in Clinton Township and Fraser.
The Macomb County Department of Public Works announced Dec. 2 that it got to the bottom of the flooding on Kelly Road. A press release from the DPW states that blockage was discovered in the Teske Drain, impacting flooding on the road near its intersection with Groesbeck Highway. The blockage was removed in July, according to Public Works Communications Manager Norb Franz.
“I think it was the worst in all the years I’ve been a public works commissioner,” Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller is quoted as saying in the release. “Certainly, one of the worst.”
The release states the items were removed from a manhole near the Canadian
National railroad tracks south of 15 Mile Road. Sediment in a 100-foot section of the pipe was vacuumed up by a contractor. In an open-channel part of the drain, vegetation was cleared to increase flow. Additionally, the Macomb County Department of Roads cleaned out 600 feet of the enclosed pipe during construction on Kelly Road. To minimize erosion, banks were graded and armored with limestone.
The total cost of all of this was approximately $25,000, according to Franz.
Franz said some items may have been intentionally dumped and other items could’ve flowed to the blockage site naturally.
“We have people in our office going back to the late ’80s. Nobody recalls seeing anything like that in an enclosed drain,” Franz said. “That’s why the water slowed to just a trickle.”
He said when the blockage and intrusive vegetation were removed, flow improved dramatically.
“It’s hard for any of these old systems to keep up, but the systems that we have in
Photo provided by Macomb County Department of Public Works
This photo shows the blockage at the Teske Drain, which the Macomb County Department of Public Works said is the source of flooding on Kelly Road in Clinton Township and Fraser.
BROWN RESIGNS AS COUNTY BOARD CHAIR
Republican to join Candice Miller at Macomb County Public Works
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MOUNT CLEMENS — Don Brown, the chair of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, announced his resignation from the board at the end of its Dec. 12 meeting.
Brown, who has been on the board for 34 years and chaired it for the last four, will join Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller’s staff as the deputy public works commissioner, working alongside Chief Deputy Brian Baker.
“It is a natural fit for me given I’ve shared her passion for the environment and water quality through my long tenure as commissioner,” Brown said in a press release.
“We’ve worked together since the mid ’90s addressing water quality issues in the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair, starting with the Blue Ribbon Committee to Study Lake St. Clair. Though we’ve made significant progress since then, there remains more work to do. I believe the relationships I have built along with the knowledge of issues confronting the public works will add value to the office. I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to pursue my passion with a single focus.”
Brown was first elected to office in 1988, joining the Washington Township Board of Trustees at 25 years old. He was then elected to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners in 1990. Brown worked for Miller while she was Michigan Secretary of State and while she was in Congress.
“Him and I share a passion for clean water and environmental issues, underground infrastructure, sort of everything that is Macomb County Public Works,” Miller said. “I think it’s a good move for my department and then, therefore, the county, and I think a good move for Don as well.”
Getting it right
Brown’s tasks as Miller’s deputy will come on an “as assigned basis,” with Miller citing his experience and connections in politics as key benefits he brings to the department.
“Not only that he have contacts, but people respect him,” Miller said. “He’s well respected around the region for many issues he’s been involved with. But like I say, he’s also very interested in the issues that our department deals with. … We have a similar outlook on a number of issues and that’s important. I need everybody on my team rowing in the same direction, and I think Don is going to be a strong part of our team.”
Brown was scheduled to begin working at the Public Works Office on Monday, Dec. 16. He could not be reached for further comment at press time.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
C & G Newspapers strives for accuracy and fairness to its readers. If you think we got it wrong, please let us know. Call Gregg Demers at (586) 498-1042, email gdemers@candgnews.com or write us at 13650 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089.
CORRECTION: The story “When shopping at home, be alert for grinches trying to steal gifts and info” in the Dec. 11 issue should have stated that the St. Clair Shores police detective lieutenant’s last name is Brueckman.
Photo provided by Macomb County Board of Commissioners Don Brown resigned from the Macomb County Board of Commissioners Dec. 12. He was scheduled to join Candice Miller at the Macomb County Public Works Office on Monday, Dec. 16.
The Bottomless Toy Chest visits young patients of Corewell Health
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — Santa and his “Elf Squad” visited the Children’s Garden Room in the Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital Dec. 4 to surprise the pediatric patients with presents and holiday cheer.
Hosted by The Bottomless Toy Chest, Santa and his elves visited around 75 pediatric patients and their siblings for a holiday party. The kids had the chance to open presents, make crafts, eat holiday treats, and more with their friends and families.
“It’s hard being in the hospital any time of year, but I think during the holidays, it’s particularly difficult for kids, and the event helps really inspire positive feelings about being in the hospital, even though you might be going through something really difficult,” said Mickey Guisewite, founder and executive director of The Bottomless Toy Chest.
One special thing about the gifts is that they are all wrapped in cellophane. The cellophane helps to keep the presents safe for the children who open them, as a lot of the kids who are in the hospital have low immune systems.
Guisewite said that the special wrapping also provides a sense of control for the children.
“Another reason we wrap the toys in
cellophane is that it gives children a choice in a hospital setting where so many choices are made for them,” she said. “It’s giving the child an ability to be in charge and be in control.”
Five-year-old patient Stella Campbell, from Newaygo, Michigan, chose dolls from the toy bin.
“It helps the kids; it gives them something to look forward to,” said Becca Campbell, Stella’s mother. “And just watching her have joy, it helps me.”
Rose Freigeh, child life specialist at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, emphasized the hardships the children deal with while being in the hospital over the holidays.
“They’re away from their friends and from all of the activities they normally would be participating in or doing when they’re not in the hospital,” Freigeh said.“Something as simple as a new toy can really help them cope with their hospital stay, and it just brings joy and happiness during such a difficult time.”
During the party, children of all ages from the pediatric ward were able to visit the Garden Room, choose a toy and celebrate together. Freigeh said that the hospital invited back previous patients to come and enjoy the party, even if they were not hospitalized recently.
Photo provided by Joseph Howse
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
DEC. 18
Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Virtual workshop hosted by AgeWays, learn to communicate with family and healthcare providers, reduce stress, guilt, anger and depression, and make difficult decisions, 6-7:30 p.m., free but donations accepted, (833) 262-2200, tinyurl.com/ageways workshops
DEC. 19
PAWS to Read: Children can tell stories to therapy dog, 5-6 p.m.,Fraser Public Library, 15260 15 Mile Road, register for 15-minute time slot, (586) 2932055, fraserpubliclibrary.org
DEC. 20
Minecraft Club: Ages 10-18 can play virtually, 5-8 p.m., register at fraserpubliclibrary.org
’Twas A Night Before Christmas 1939: Lodge House tour, Santa visit, storytelling, make-and-take crafts and more, 5-9 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, (586) 739-4800, packardprovinggrounds.org/christmas39
DEC. 21
Bluey Party: For ages 2-7, 3-4 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, registration required, (586) 2265072, cmpl.libnet.info/events
‘Holiday Hits Then & Now’: Performance by PRISM Chorus, 8 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 2862222, macombcenter.com
DEC. 22
Christmas concert: Performance by Detroit Concert Choir, 3-4:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 2862222, macombcenter.com
Adopt-A-Family brunch: Presented by The Butterfly Collective, event supports families in need through donations of gift cards and money or via Amazon wish list, noon, Mirage Banquet Hall, 16980 18 Mile Road in Clinton Township, office@thebutterflycollective.org, facebook.com/TheButterflyCollective2019
DEC. 23
Teen craft night: Make mandala mug, 6-7:30 p.m., Fraser Public Library, 15260 15 Mile Road, registration required, (586) 293-2055, fraserpubliclibrary.org
DEC. 28
Pickleball tournament: 11 a.m. for beginners (must know rules) and 2 p.m. for advanced players, Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park
Road, registration required, bit.ly/3vM7Shp, (586) 446-2700
ONGOING
Santa photos: Select dates and times until Dec. 24, Cabin at the Creek at The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, see times at shoppartridgecreek.com, book appointments at whereissanta.com
• Daily until Dec. 24, bring pets after 4 p.m. Mondays, South Court at Macomb Mall, 32233 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, see times at shopmacombmall.com, book appointments at vipholidayphotos.com/mall/h-mac
Book clubs: Find meetups about historic American figures (Presidential Book Club), solving cases (Mysteries & Munchies), quiet reading for adults and kids (Silent Book Club and Silent Book Club Jr), and recipes and sharing dishes (Cookbook Club), Fraser Public Library, 15260 15 Mile Road, (586) 293-2055, fraserpubliclibrary.org
Widowed Friends breakfasts: 10:30 a.m. every second Monday of month, Big Boy, 16880 Hall Road in Clinton Township, RSVP to Gerry at (586) 556-9471
Holiday Market: Featuring nearly 100 Michigan artisans, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 22, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, (586) 469-8666, theartcenter.org/holiday-market
Upton House Museum tours: Visit 1860s Michigan Historical Landmark, 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of month, 40433 Dodge Park Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2495, sterlingheights. gov/789/upton-house-museum
Ice skating: Noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays, Dodge Park Farmers Market Pavilion, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2711 (weather hotline), sterlingheights. gov/1650/dodge-park-ice-rink
• Holiday hours from noon-8 p.m. Dec. 23, 26-28 and 30, and Jan. 2-4, Warren City Square outside City Hall, 1 City Square, facebook.com/warrenparks, (586) 268-8400
Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups
HOLIDAY EXTRA
TRAVEL SAFELY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THESE TIPS
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
Holidays bring joy and laughter to many gatherings, but it’s important to arrive safely by reducing risky driving behaviors and planning ahead.
Michigan State Police Public Information Officer Section Commander Michael Shaw said during the holidays, troopers look for “risky driving behaviors.”
“Those are the same behaviors we see constantly when people are driving around metro Detroit,” Shaw said. “That’s excessive speed, following too closely, driving impaired and also driving while distracted.”
These behaviors and crashes are seen all throughout the year. Shaw said inclement weather conditions with snow or rain makes these behaviors stand out.
“There’s a lot of people going to parties and things like that so maybe they won’t have a plan in place to get them-
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
holiday season.
Aglow
from page 1A
Nonperishable items were collected at the event to assist those in need in the township. Kay said about 250-300 items were collected this year, which was slightly down from previous years. He said the weather may have played a role in the dip.
“The event was really cold and windy,” Kay said. “I think it deterred some families from coming out.”
The event featured trivia stations where attendees could test their Christmas movie knowledge. A bonfire pit provided a place to warm up. Kids competed in “reindeer games,” such as a ring toss and an obstacle course, for prizes. Local dance troupes also performed at the event.
New to Christmas Aglow was music from a guitarist and harmonica player singing Christmas carols. A 10-foot animatronic Bumble, the abominable snowman from the 1964 stop-motion movie “Rudolph,” had a motion sensor that made the character laugh when attendees passed by.
“That seemed to be a hit with families for photo ops,” Kay said.
Attendees were given ornaments featuring township mascot CT Rex to commemorate attending the event.
Genisys Credit Union partnered with the township on the event and Fern Hill Golf Club helps out with the hot chocolate production.
“I thought it was a great event,” Gieleghem said. “For me it was my first time handing the key off to Santa, which was quite an honor.”
“As a brand-new supervisor, it’s great to see families coming together to celebrate the holidays with the township and see the work of our DPS making their township Civic Center a great place to gather,” Gieleghem added.
The township’s light display near the gazebo will stay up until after Christmas.
“It’s just peaceful at night to have a walk and enjoy the scenery and the festivities,” Kay said.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Clinton Township flipped on its Christmas tree lights at its Christmas Aglow event at its Civic Center on Dec. 7.
Photo by Nick Powers
Experts: Smaller, more affordable new-construction homes are harder to come by
BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
Buyers who are searching for small and affordable new-construction homes might find that the inventory isn’t quite like it used to be.
Instead, what those who are in the market to buy are more likely to see when seeking newdevelopment projects is larger, more expensive homes than in years past.
While there are a variety of factors at play, Matthew Bazner, of Max Broock Realtors in Royal Oak, offered at least one explanation.
“In real estate, what people are looking for is not a 1,000- or 1,200-square-foot home anymore; they’re looking for their forever home, which is more of a 2,000-plus-square-foot home,” Bazner said. “That’s why you’re seeing now in Royal Oak, new construction being built, or a small house being torn down, and a 2,000-, -2,400 square-foot new-build is being built in what people would be looking for in that style of a house that someone would be able to find previously in a (1,200-) to 1,400-squarefoot home. People are not interested in living in a (1,200-) to 1,500-square-foot home and raising two or three kids like our parents and grandparents did. They can find that housing stock in some other locations further out from the Woodward corridor.”
Aside from being the chair of the board of Farmington’s Downtown Development Authority, Todd Craft is also the broker/owner of City Life Realty in Farmington.
He and his wife also manage new-construction sales and have sat on the board of a home builder’s executive committee, according to Craft.
Aside from what buyers are looking for, Craft has also considered the matter from the perspective of builders.
“It’s very difficult to build first-time buyer housing, or smaller, affordable housing, because the land costs are so high, especially as you get closer to a walkable downtown and there’s not much land available,” Craft said. “That buyer profile is looking for four bedrooms and twoand-a-half baths and wants a two-to-three car garage, and they want a basement they can finish, maybe a walk-out or at least one with daylight windows. And so when you get to that size, that’s kind of what the market’s demanding, and that’s kind of what the economics work out to be, to be able to build something and still be profitable for a builder.”
Bazner shared a similar perspective.
“Why are they building larger homes? Because on the build-and-sell side of that, they have to make a larger home in order to get the money to make it a profitable endeavor,” he said. “That’s why you are seeing a lot of the smaller homes being torn down, because for investors there’s not enough money to be made without adding the square footage to make it a bigger home, make a better product for the consumer.”
According to Tim Laughrin, who is the vice president of land acquisition for Robertson Brothers Homes, which builds and develops homes, pricing for new developments depends on the market area.
Bazner said that in Royal Oak, new construction is “basically, a million dollars.”
Robertson Brothers builds and develops a variety of different kinds of housing, including condominiums, townhouses and single-family homes.
Laughrin provided examples of different pricing options.
“Generally speaking, our townhomes are in the low $300s, starting, and we’ve got them kind of piercing the $400-thousands in
Troy, and there’s a lot of demand for that type of house in Troy,” he said. “It has a lot to do with the underlined market. Like for Troy, it’s hard to get into a single-family home for less than ($700,000) or $800,000, so $400,000’s a bargain. But in other communities, that’s about the price of a single-family house, so it really depends on where you’re at.”
For those who may be looking for a better bargain, according to Laughrin, Robertson Brothers has a project in Commerce Township where single-family homes are starting in the high $400,000-range.
Townhomes may also be an option for those who are looking to save some money on a new-construction project.
“The difference between a townhome and a single-family, you’re talking at least $150,000 in price difference,” Laughrin said. “I’m talking 1,330 square-feet, compared to 2,000 square feet. And of course, with a single-family, you get a yard, so there’s sacrifices you make with a townhome, but it is, relatively speaking, cheaper than single-family, and of course you have those amenities you get in a walkable community.”
Those kinds of differences can help explain Laughrin’s observation of the housing market.
“That’s why townhomes are popular; it’s really entry-level housing,” Laughrin said. “You cannot build even a very small single-family home and sell it for less than $400,000 because of costs. You’ve got construction costs, landdevelopment costs, land costs. Everything has shot up a lot, especially since COVID.”
Although the cost of new-construction homes isn’t to everybody’s liking, it does present an advantage for some who are in the market to buy.
“We see less and less of the people that are willing to buy something, spend a lot of time fixing it up, and the time it takes to live through a remodel,” Bazner said. “You might’ve been able to buy something that was less expensive and save some money, but we see less and less of the consumer willing to do that now than we did in the past. So those investors and people that are coming in, they’re kind of filling that gap to make that housing stock turn around to Dr. Bergeron has comprehensive education, training, and experience in hospital and clinic-based patient care. She excels in all areas of foot and ankle care with specific training and interest in wound
See HOMES on page 14A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Robertson Brothers Homes is building The Village of Troy at the corner of Long Lake and Rochester roads. Those in the market for a new-construction home might notice that many new-builds are larger and more expensive than in the past. Townhomes are popular as entry-level housing.
Travel
selves back home and end up driving impaired when they shouldn’t,” Shaw said.
Shaw recommends residents have a plan in place before going to a gathering. This could be designating a driver, using ride share services such as Uber or Lyft, or other things. Designated drivers should honor their duties and not consume alcohol during parties.
“Trying to figure something out like that after you’re already intoxicated is pretty tough,” Shaw said.
Adrienne Woodland, public relations program consultant for AAA - The Auto Club Group, said the company is forecasting around 3.8 million Michigan residents are going to travel 50 miles or more away from home this holiday season.
“That’s actually a record and that’s about 98,000 more travelers than the previous record high which was set last year,” Woodland said.
She said it’s going to be busy on roadways, at airports and at other transit terminals.
AAA is also expecting a new air travel record this holiday season as well. Woodland said they’re expecting nationally 7.9 million Americans to take at least one domestic flight.
She said those planning to fly should plan ahead by checking in online and confirming the flight’s status.
“You want to arrive to the airport a minimum of two to three hours before your scheduled departure time and we also suggest (to) those that are flying that you pack your medications and an extra change of clothes in your carry-on bag just in case your flight is canceled or delayed,” Woodland said.
Around 3.4 million Michigan residents will take a road trip this holiday season, Woodland said. Nationally, they’re expecting that around 107 million Americans will be driving to their destinations. Woodland recommends drivers follow the posted speed limits and drive only when alert.
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“Driving only on four to five hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08,” Woodland said.
She went on to say it is best to drive at times when normally awake, avoiding overnight drives and any intoxicants, and that drivers should take breaks every two hours.
“And you want to use these breaks to maybe switch drivers if possible or park at a safe location and maybe nap for about 20 to 30 minutes to recharge,” Woodland said.
Shaw recommends drivers stop every hour to stretch, grab a coffee, use the restroom and other things.
“Just to kind of keep your mind focused on the road for the rest of your trip,” Shaw said.
The last tip Woodland would give drivers is to slow down and move over for roadside workers and others stopped on the side of the road. Woodland said a roadside worker is killed every other week in the United States.
“When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road assisting a stranded driver, you want to reduce your speed. If possible, you want to change lanes to give those crews more room to do their job safely,” Woodland said.
Shaw said the MSP responds to around 10 to 20 crashes a day on Michigan roads.
“If you add weather to it and people don’t heed our advice about those risky driving behaviors, that will naturally cause an uptick in crashes,” Shaw said.
Shaw said getting snow tires wouldn’t hurt and that tire performance depends on the manufacturer.
“A lot of vehicles have all weather tires on them now, so it’s often good to just take a look at your owner’s manual and see what they suggest,” Shaw said.
Fines for driving under the influence or crashing a vehicle are up to the courts, Shaw said.
“Know that along with those fines if you have to hire an attorney, (it’s) at least $10,000 just for the attorney costs,” Shaw said.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Fraser
from page 5A
At the Nov. 14 meeting, Councilwoman Patrice Schornak suggested starting the hike next March and for subsequent increases in July. In her motion, Shornak also included a $22 million cash investment over seven years by the city, adding no new debt. By doing this, some capital improvement projects will be deferred. This is what the council approved, following a public hearing, at its Dec. 12 meeting.
One audience member, David Chevela, participated in the public comment portion of the Dec. 12 meeting. Chevela questioned why the increase needed to take place and why the rates are so high. He asked for an explanation of the fees.
Lesich said the fee increases will help cover the costs of $22 million in capital improvement projects over the next seven years. He said the rates have not increased in four years. He said, on average, rates have increased about 1.5% each year since 2018.
“We have a large capital improvement project ahead of us,” Lesich said. “The Great Lakes Water Authority, who we buy our water from, and the county, who we send our dirty water to, take up over half of our budget and then the capital improvement plan is ($2 million to) $3 million over the next seven years. All of these things are expensive and that’s why the rates are proposed as they are.”
Councilwoman Amy Baranski urged residents to watch Kaczor’s presentation at the Nov. 14 meeting for a detailed look at how the rates were arrived at.
Later, Chevela questioned how much the city is charged for the utilities.
Lesich explained the city contracts out its water services to the Great Lakes Water Authority, which sets the rates. He said the city’s recourse is minimal, since it doesn’t produce water and doesn’t have wells.
“We are a distributor of water that’s clean and we’re a distributor to water elsewhere when we’re done using it,” he said. “In between we maintain all of the water mains and sewer mains, everything within the city. That is only about 12% of our annual budget.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
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Homes
from page 12A
make them something more desirable for the consumer to buy. … What they’re looking for is turnkey with all the things I expect it to be.”
According to Laughrin, it typically takes about six months to build a home from start to finish.
Although consumers can contact a developer in advance of a home being built and be part of the process from beginning to end, according to Bazner, that is not typically the case.
“Most of the time a builder or investor is buying that property, tearing it down, putting
Blockage
from page 6A
up a product, and selling it already completed to somebody,” Bazner said. “Investors, builders, they’re buying those small houses, putting a larger home on it, and then selling it once it’s completed on the open market. That’s what you’re seeing.”
New construction projects can include building single homes on land where a previous home stood, as well as building communities on larger sites, such as those that were previously occupied by properties that belonged to school districts.
For those who would like to see smaller, single-family homes continue to be built, Laughrin offered a glimmer of hope.
“The main demand we’re seeing are detached ranch condominiums,” he said.
place, we’ve got to make sure that they’re taken care of so that the water can flow. We feel really good about this project. It was much more complicated than we thought, once we got in there and realized what was all stuck in this drain,” Miller said.
Franz said less significant clogs are often found in open-channel drains. Some of the strange items found in other drains over the years have included a safe, shopping carts and even a couch. However, Franz said naturally growing vegetation is what needs to be typically cleared from the county’s 475 drains.
“Moreso, you’ll see blockages in the open-channel drains, stuff
“So that’s something we’ve been successful with, finding those type of properties and getting them approved. There is a lot of demand for that product, and that’s really the market segment that’s growing. As far as more of your traditional, smaller, singlefamily residential, I think that’s probably the next demand. If we can build ’em, they’ll buy ’em.”
Bazner can be reached at mbazner@ maxbroock.com.
For information about Robertson Brothers Homes, visit robertsonhomes.com.
Craft can be reached at todd craft@ citylifemi.com.
Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 4981052.
that’s visible that might be brought to our attention or that our maintenance team may find,” Franz said. “But they’re out there every day: clearing blockage, doing maintenance, regrading the banks, clearing out the sediment just to improve the flow. When the flow is improved, the drainage gets better.”
One recent significant clog was discovered at the Vokes Relief Drain in Sterling Heights. This obstruction caused flooding along Van Dyke Avenue between 18 1/2 and 19 Mile roads during heavy rain. The project to clear the drain started in 2023 and wrapped up this fall, according to a previous C & G Newspapers article. The county said the blockage contained road grit, silt, sand and other debris, including, at one point, an old wheelbarrow. The cost of this project was approximately $500,000.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Toys
from page 8A
Gifts were also delivered to the children in the pediatric ward who were unable to attend the party due to medical reasons or isolation precautions.
“We’re so grateful for organizations that want to give back, especially during this time of year,” Freigeh said. “So we’re very thankful to Bottomless Toy Chest for this opportunity for our patients and families.”
The Bottomless Toy Chest is in its 16th year of operation and visits 15 hospitals in Michigan, and it also visits 15 different states. The program visits hospitals that have hematology and oncology, according to Guisewite.
“We are a weekly toy experience program. So I always say, ‘Like cancer and critical illness do not end when the holiday lights come down, so we are somewhere every single week of the year,’” she said. “I always say, ‘We can’t cure cancer, but I think maybe what we’re here to do is cure a tough day, or help make a tough day a little bit better.”
For more information on The Bottomless Toy Chest, visit bottomlesstoychest.org. Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
Plunge
from page 1A
pool to keep it cold, according to Sutherland. This year’s event, which was cold and windy, did not have the same problem. Participation was up this year by one diver.
“It gives the community kind of a laugh, to see people jumping in and freezing,” Sutherland said. “It’s a win on a lot of sides. We’re able to help and make money for charity, poke fun at ourselves as leaders of the community and just do something different that other areas aren’t doing.”
Funds raised by the divers went to the Fraser Goodfellows. The community service/nonprofit group works to provide for families in need, especially during the holiday season with its “No Child Without a Christmas” program.
“Beyond providing toys, clothing and food to children in need, they aim to alleviate poverty, foster community support, promote well-being, encourage generosity and provide emergency assistance,” Fraser’s website states.
Lesich said funds raised for the Goodfellows are up this year, jumping from approximately $500 to over $3,500. The participants raised money and Recreation Coordinator Chris Delmege solicited donations from local businesses.
Those who braved the freezing waters included Sutherland, Lesich, Sutherland’s two kids, Fraser Goodfellows President Robert Brannon, Scott Moyer from the Goodfellows and members of the Fraser High School swim team.
“I’m really hoping this is something we can grow and build in the community to be able to continue to give back to local charities,” Sutherland said.
“It was great. A lot of fun for a good cause,” Lesich said.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Peace on Earth, god will towards all
The Wujek and Calcaterra families wish you a peaceful new year flled with happiness and surrounded by loved ones. Thank you to the wonderful families in this community who have chosen us to serve them. We are humbled by your trust, and will continue to care for all families with the same compassion we would want for our own.
Photo provided by Mary Matuz
Fraser Mayor Michael Lesich takes part in the city’s second polar plunge Dec. 7 at Steffens Park.
e holiday season is upon us, a busy time for us all. A time for re ection of the year gone by and a time for hope for the coming year. is past year has been a challenge for our country and in Michigan, a struggle for many.
I want to thank all of my patients for the privilege of serv- ing you. e opportunity to make a positive di erence in the lives of others is a gift. Your loyalty, support and friendship allows me to follow my passion in dentistry. Please accept my very special holiday thank you from me and my devoted sta .
Yours for Better Dental Health, Dr. Berman
Free-Est./SeniorDisc.
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Police mediate refill dispute at convenience store
STERLING HEIGHTS – Police were sent to a convenience store in the 11000 block of 15 Mile Road upon hearing that a man wasn’t leaving the store because he couldn’t get a refund.
Police said they spoke to the man, who reportedly said he bought a bag of chips and a fountain drink, but the latter accidentally spilled after he bought it. He said he sought a refill but was told it would cost $1.50.
An officer offered to pay $1.50 for the refill, and after the store accepted it, no further police action was taken.
Man cited for urinating in public
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police said a complainant alerted them to a man who allegedly urinated outdoors Nov. 22 in the area of Robinnest Drive, located north of 16 1/2 Mile Road and west of Dodge Park Road. The complainant reportedly recorded the incident on his phone and was “adamant about pressing charges and following through,” police said. Police said the suspect was “very apologetic and remorseful for his actions” and reportedly had gone into a wooded area to relieve himself. Police said they cited the suspect for urinating in public.
Police investigate Walmart skip-scanning incidents
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave., Nov. 22 after hearing that a woman was allegedly skipping some items while at a checkout scanner. Store staff reportedly detained her at the grocery doors. Police said the suspect paid for $190.44 worth of items but didn’t pay for $85.35 worth of items, which reportedly included clothes, groceries and household goods. Police said the woman was cited for third-degree retail fraud.
In a separate incident on Nov. 22, police heard that staff at the same Walmart reportedly saw a man failing to scan all his items at checkout before going to the pharmacy doors. According to the report, some of the stolen items included electronics, toothbrush items, clothes and car items. Police said the suspect paid for $198.46 worth of merchandise but stole $520.99 worth of items. Police later said a warrant was authorized for second-degree retail fraud.
Humbugs at large
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — At around 1 p.m. on Nov. 13, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a home in the 24000 block of Orchard Street for a property damage report. The resident, a 50-year-old woman, had been
On Nov. 11, she noticed that several bulbs had been removed and wires were cut. No possible suspect information was relayed to deputies at the time.
Ditch DUI
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Nov. 13 at around 10:45 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a single-car property damage incident near the corner of Hazel Street and South River Road.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the driver, a 35-year-old Harrison Township woman. She was driving home when, after a wrong turn, she tried making a three-point turn before ending up in a ditch.
Deputies smelled the odor of intoxicants on the woman and asked her to complete field sobriety tests. She completed the tests but when asked to take a breath test, she refused and was arrested. A test performed later registered a 0.300 blood alcohol content level.
Threats report leads to police arresting man for drunken driving
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 12:43 a.m. Nov. 17, officers from the Shelby Township Police Department were called to do a welfare check on a man who allegedly was making threatening statements to damage property. Officers responded to the area of Cherry Tree Lane and Tamarack Drive, which is east of Van Dyke Avenue and south of 23 Mile Road. As officers were approaching the area, the suspect exited the house and left the area in his vehicle.
Officers had reports that prior to making threatening statements, the suspect had been consuming alcohol. The vehicle was stopped, and the man was asked to conduct field sobriety tests. The man reportedly refused any test and was then placed under arrest for operating while intoxicated. A blood draw was completed by the Shelby Township Fire Department. The man was lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department until he was sober.
Woman reports online ticket purchase rip-off
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:55 p.m. on Nov. 20, allegations of larceny and fraud were reported in the 22000 block of Bayview Drive.
The victim, a 57-year-old woman, made contact with the police over the phone and stated she was scammed out of Detroit Lions tickets. She contacted an old high school classmate, who posted about the tickets on their high school Facebook page. In messages, the person stated they would sell the tickets for $1,500.
Apple Pay account and sent $500 to the account since that was the maximum. The woman grew suspicious when she received a separate phone number and account to send another $500. She reached out to the person with the other phone number and found out the Facebook account had been hacked. The woman said she planned to contact her bank to report the transaction.
Another Detroit Lions ticket scam reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 1:01 p.m. on Nov. 25, a case of fraud was reported in the 21000 block of Pleasant Street.
The victim, a 27-year-old woman, stated at the police station that she messaged an acquaintance, a 26-year-old woman, on Facebook. The victim inquired about Detroit Lions tickets the other woman had made a post about. Both women agreed on a price of $1,000 for six tickets to the Dec. 15 game against the Buffalo Bills. The victim sent one payment totaling $800 and another payment totaling $200. The woman then advised the victim to send money to two separate cousins. When the payments went through, the woman blocked the victim, and the victim was disputing the claims with Venmo.
An officer called the woman and left a voice mail. On a returned call, the woman stated her Facebook account was hacked approximately two months ago. She reported the incident to Facebook and thought the account had been taken down. She advised other family and friends who told her about the potential scams to report and block the account.
Porch pirates nabbed
GROSSE POINTE WOODS/CITY — Two male suspects were arrested after police said the pair stole packages delivered to homes in Grosse Pointe City and Grosse Pointe Woods.
In the first incident, the Grosse Pointe City Public Safety Department said that one of the suspects stole an iPhone Max Pro worth $1,200 at 12:50 p.m. Nov. 20, shortly after it had been delivered to the front porch of a home in the 500 block of Washington Road. That suspect was seen leaving the area in a Chevy Blazer.
At around 9 a.m. Nov. 27, a pair of suspects in a Chevy Blazer — who police said matched the description of the driver and passenger in the City incident — are said by the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department to have stolen a package containing $68 worth of goods from the front porch of a home in the 1100 block of Vernier Road. The same day, a Woods officer spotted the suspects’ vehicle at a
surveillance footage of the porch piracy suspects and were arrested, police said. They’re expected to face charges in the City and Woods.
Packages stolen GROSSE POINTE FARMS — An unknown suspect is said to have stolen two packages from the front porch of a home in the 300 block of Touraine Road sometime around the afternoon of Dec. 3. The packages contained more than $1,000 worth of
Children’s clothing stolen GROSSE POINTE
Museum hosts candlelight walking tours Dec. 19
ROCHESTER HILLS — The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm is hosting hourlong candlelight walking tours from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 19. Spread across the museum grounds, guests will visit historical vignettes, observe historic campfire cooking, listen to a cappella Christmas carols, and explore the decorated 1840s Van Hoosen Farmhouse. Dress for the weather, as stations are both inside and outside. Tickets cost $8 for museum members and $10 for nonmembers. To register, visit rochesterhills.org/musprograms. The Rochester Hills Museum is located at 1005 Van Hoosen Road, off Tienken Road between Rochester and Dequindre roads.
CRANBROOK WELCOMES NEW FELLOWS
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Cranbrook Academy of Art recently announced the third and fourth classes of the Gilbert Fellows program. Each year, selected students receive full-tu-
and long-term commitment to support artists, architects, and designers of color,” Interim Academy Director Chris Whittey said in a press release.
“Now in its fourth year, this program has increased the diverse makeup of the student body on campus, and the fellows have brought engaging perspectives
at cranbrookart.edu/admissions/howto-apply.
Biographies of the fellows and more information on the program can be found at cranbrookart.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholar ships-fellowships/gilbert-fellows.
Student scores perfectly on M-STEP
“It makes me feel awesome in the way I know I will be successful,” he said in a press release. “I know that I will be good in life.” Fourth grade teacher Nichole Gorski sees Andrian’s hard work in the classroom.
“M-STEP is a very difficult assessment and Andrian is always willing to stretch his brain to the highest heights,” Gorski said. “I believe that this outstanding achievement is only one of many to come for him.”
Judson Center gala raises more than $500,000
FARMINGTON HILLS — The Judson Center, a human services agency based in Farmington Hills, raised more than $500,000 at its “A Night to Embrace” centennial gala on Nov. 1 at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, according to a press release.
The funds benefit the human service agency’s programs in autism, behavioral and primary healthcare, disability services, foster care, adoption, and mentoring, the release states.
“This was a
centennial awareness campaign were presented at the event. Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, received the agency’s Art of Care Award in recognition of her longtime efforts to improve the health and lives of Michigan residents. Judson Center Board Chair Kevin Johns was presented with the agency’s Art of Service Award, and former Judson Center CEO Mounir “Monty” Sharobeem received the Art of Compassion Award.
Photo provided by Cranbrook Academy of Art
Ali, an anchor for CBS News Detroit, and Huel Perkins, a former anchor for FOX 2 Detroit, were the
emcees for the evening. Judson Center’s Centennial Gala was presented by PNC Bank and chaired by Michael Bickers, who is the executive vice president and regional president for PNC Bank in Detroit and southeast Michigan. For more information about the Judson Center, visit judsoncenter.org.
Photo provided by Utica Community Schools
