12/18/24 Journal by C & G Newspapers

Happy holidays from C & G Newspapers

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

CHRISTMAS AGLOW BRIGHTENS UP CLINTON TOWNSHIP

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.

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.”

Macomb County removes sewer blockage at source of flooding on Kelly

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,

See SEWER on page 13A as

Clinton Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem 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

SECOND FRONT PAGE

3A/ JOURNAL • DECEMBER 18, 2024

ABOVE: Mount Clemens City Commissioners pose with Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller and an assembled rain barrel kit at the City Commission’s Nov. 18 meeting. Mount Clemens is distributing rain barrels free of charge to residents that use combined sewers.

provided by Macomb County Public Works Office

LEFT: A map of Mount Clemens with properties eligible to receive rain barrels highlighted in purple. The barrels are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. An interactive map can be found by visiting mountclemens. gov/rainbarrelprogram.

Map by Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc.

Rain barrels aim to stem sewage overflows

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MOUNT CLEMENS — A countywide effort to cut down on combined sewer overflow pollution has led to the arrival of a rain barrel program in Mount Clemens.

Through a collaboration between the city of Mount Clemens and the Macomb County Public Works Office, eligible city residents can apply for one rain barrel kit per household. A total of 166

kits are available. Barrels will be distributed through the city and are available to people living in areas that use combined storm drain and sanitary sewer infrastructure.

Rain barrels capture rainwater and prevent it from overloading the combined sewers during rainstorms. Residents can then use the captured rainwater to water lawns, landscaping or for other uses. Mount Clemens City Manager Gregg Shipman said rain barrels will help reduce the cost of

L’Anse Creuse school wins makeover

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

CHESTERFIELD — Call it “Extreme Makeover: Preschool Edition.”

The Anna Mae Burdi Early Childhood Center, part of L’Anse Creuse Public Schools, is receiving a $50,000 makeover after winning a sweepstakes.

Teacher Fran Pigeon won the School Specialty $50,000 School Makeover Sweepstakes, which asked school employees across the United States to nominate their schools for the award. The winning teacher received a $500 School Specialty gift card as well. School Specialty is a vendor for schools and other educational institutions.

“Over the summer, one of my staff members saw a social media post (advertising the sweepstakes),” said Annemarie Miller, director of the Anna Mae Burdi Center. “She saw the social media post and shared it with all of our staff here at Anna Mae Burdi and we had a lot of staff enter.”

Pigeon approached the contest by making multiple submissions a day, securing the grand prize for the Chesterfield preschool.

“We were just shocked (upon winning),” Miller said. “I didn’t even know that my staff were doing this. This was just something that they came up with and saw and they love their school so much they decided to enter.”

Pigeon will have the honor of deciding how the $500 will be spent on her classroom for 3-year-olds, while Miller has been working with School Specialty on how the wider remodeling will be handled.

“We are going to be remaking our before and after care classroom, which is basically an extension of their regular preschool,” Miller said. “This is for working families. The room opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m., so these are students that are here with us all day. We really want to make this room feel special. It’s kind of like their home away from home.”

While the before and after care classroom is receiving the bulk of the $50,000, the front lobby will receive the remainder of the funds with the installation of a sensory wall and a bubble tube.

Delivery of renovation items is expected on Dec. 20, with the “grand reveal” of the facility updates set for Jan. 6, 2025. Purchasing, delivery and installation costs are all covered by School Specialty.

“The Anna Mae Burdi Center is a wonderful space for the district’s youngest learners to learn and grow, and winning this grand prize highlights all the great things our staff does to provide for L’Anse Creuse preschool students,” Tony Sedick, interim director for elementary education, said via email. “It has been very exciting to work with School Specialty in providing this redesign for the classroom, and we look forward to seeing the final product in January.”

More information about the Anna Mae Burdi Center can be found at lc-ps.org/schools/district/burdi.

Photo

NEWS & NOTES

Local businesses receive grants

MOUNT CLEMENS — The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development announced on Dec. 9 the 10 recipients of $1,000 grants from the 2024 Shop Local Macomb campaign. The Shop Local Macomb initiative encourages community members to shop at independently owned and operated businesses during the holiday season for the chance to win one of a dozen $150 gift cards provided by First State Bank and a grant for the business they supported. Over 730 businesses were entered into the running and a drawing for the 10 winners was held on Dec. 9.

The winners are:

Boater City Marketplace, New Baltimore

Green Thyme Workshop, Richmond

Max & Ollie’s Vintage Boutique, Mount Clemens

New DJ Shop, Warren Riverside Vintage Market, Mount Clemens

Sarge & Red’s, Utica

The Nest Collaborative, Mount Clemens

The Baking Room, Clinton Township

Uptown Girl Novelties, New Baltimore

Whistle Stop Hobby & Toys, St. Clair Shores

“It’s incredible seeing our community come together and shop small for the campaign,” Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, said in a press release. “And because of this effort, we’re able to award $10,000 in grants to our local retailers. These funds can make a big difference for these businesses. In the past, we’ve heard that the grants have been used for repairs, new equipment, staff bonuses and much more. So as we’ve said before, when you shop small here in Macomb County, everyone wins. Let’s continue this momentum and keep supporting our local retailers this holiday season.”

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-

HOLIDAY HARMONIES

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Prism Chorus will present “Holiday Hits Then and Now” at 8 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, located at 44575 Garﬁeld Road. PRISM is an inclusive men’s chorus that celebrates diversity and promotes social justice through music. For tickets visit macombcenter.com or call the box office at (586) 286-2222.

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.

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

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.

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 care and foot and ankle surgery (including cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques designed to minimize surgical trauma and help patients recover faster).

Travel safely this holiday season with these tips

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — 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 themselves 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.

“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.

Harrison Township native returns to lead senior center

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — It is a new day at the Harrison Township Senior Center with a new leader at the helm.

Jessica Savage is the recently hired senior activities coordinator tasked with running the senior center and overseeing the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Savage is local to the township, graduating from L’Anse Creuse High School before going to college at Central Michigan University, where she played club rugby. After college, Savage moved to Oregon and began working sales jobs.

“It was nice to make money, but it wasn’t really giving me the fulfillment I was looking for,” Savage said.

She then took on a role for the Bend, Oregon fire and finance departments in an administrative capacity.

“In Oregon, I realized how much I enjoyed helping my community and having an impact on my community,” Savage said. “While I was out there, I was interviewing for different roles in the city, but nothing really stuck. I was also getting married at the same time and I just had a lot going on, but I realized I wanted to have a bit more control and be able to contribute more within my community.”

Savage ended up moving back to Harrison Township and, after seeing the open senior activities coordinator position, decided to apply.

As the senior activities coordinator, Savage said she wants to do what she can to build a reputation for the Harrison Township Senior Center that rivals its neighboring contemporaries.

“I want it to be something people can be excited about,” Savage said. “When you talk about the St. Clair Shores Senior Center or the Clinton Township Senior Center, people think that there’s just a ton going on and get really excited about it. At this point, not many people even know there is a senior program in Harrison Township, so I’m trying to switch that brand and make it somewhere fun seniors can go, form relationships with each other and enrich their lives with the programs we offer.”

Harrison Township does not have a millage dedicated to recreation or specifically for the senior center. To pay for programs and other aspects of the center, such as investing in new sign-up software, Savage is working with the township’s Deputy Supervisor Stephanie Mittelstedt to find sponsorships, grants and other fundraising opportunities.

Savage’s aims for programming includes at least one monthly trip, as well as an increase in programs that support “brain fitness.” Savage would like to set up a newsletter that would promote various senior — and eventually general — recreation activities in the township.

Savage can be reached by calling (586) 466-1497 or by emailing JSavage@harrisontownshipmi.gov.

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

Jessica Savage is the recently hired Harrison Township Senior Activities Coordinator. Photo provided by Jessica Savage

CRIME WATCH

Man reportedly blows through yellow light, then blows a 0.095% BAC

MOUNT CLEMENS — At around 2 a.m. on Nov. 30, a Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled over a man driving a Ford Mustang at the corner of South Gratiot Avenue and South Walnut Street. The man reportedly drove through a yellow light.

The driver, 21, of Harrison Township, questioned why he was pulled over and was informed of Michigan’s yellow light law by the deputy.

During their conversation, the man said

Rain barrels

from page 3A

processing and cleaning combined discharge during storms.

Rain barrel kits include a 58-gallon barrel with preinstalled plumbing, a wooden stand and connecting pieces. Both the stand and barrels are made from recycled materials. The barrels take on a new life after originally being used to store olives in Greece.

Residents can apply for a rain barrel kit by filling out the form found at mountclemens.gov/rainbarrelprogram. Barrels are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are free of charge to eligible residents. Shipman says nearly 200 households have applied for barrels as of early December, though all applications had not been vetted at that time.

“There are not enough barrels for the (combined sewer overflow) districts,” Shipman said. “So far, it’s been an overwhelming success. That being the case, we’re going to try to solicit some more donations and try to get more barrels available.”

Mount Clemens is the third municipality in Macomb County turning to rain barrels to reduce Lake St. Clair pollution. Roseville and Eastpointe created rain barrel distribution programs earlier this year. Macomb County purchased 400 barrels through the Southeast Macomb County Wastewater Disposal System fund and gave

he was leaving the bar after having a couple beers. The reportedly deputy noticed slurred speech and the odor of alcohol. The deputy asked the man to perform field sobriety tests and a breath test. The test came back with a .095 blood alcohol content level and the man was taken to the Macomb County Jail.

Woman cited for driving without a license

MOUNT CLEMENS — On Nov. 30 at around 1:30 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spotted a car traveling south on Gratiot Avenue with an obscured license plate.

Deputies pulled over the car near Athens and Welts streets and made contact with the driver, a 33-year-old Mount Clemens woman. She was unaware that the car’s li-

200 to each city for distribution. Roseville and Eastpointe residents were responsive, overwhelming their city’s stocks within a week of the programs being activated.

Miller said the response to the rain barrels left an impression on Stephen Saph, agency principle of Mount Clemens-based insurance agency Nickel & Saph, Inc., who provided the county public works office with $10,000 to get a rain barrel program started in the city.

“Because he did that, I said I’d find $10,000 in my drain fund — which I did — and then I approached the mayor and asked whether the city could also come up with $10,000,” Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller said.

Shipman said Mount Clemens donated its own share of $10,000 to the department, giving the county a $30,000 budget used to purchase 166 rain barrel kits. The program was officially presented to the Mount Clemens City Commission at its Nov. 18 meeting.

As a city with its own water and sewer system, Mount Clemens has been working since the 1980s to reduce combined sewer overflows. One of the largest strategies the city has sought is the creation of a retention basin along the Clinton River at the corner of Michigan Street and Avery Street. Mount Clemens Utilities Supervisor Lenny Bertrand said plans to fully replace the remaining combined sewers are hampered by a lack of space for outfall pipes in those areas.

Miller entertained the possibility of

cense plate blub was faulty. When asked for her information, the driver was unable to provide a license plate, proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

Deputies arrested the woman but released her on scene with a driving without a license citation.

Stolen deer

MOUNT CLEMENS — On Dec. 1 at around 3:30 p.m., a 43-year-old Mount Clemens man reported his stolen Christmas decorations to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.

He told deputies that he began setting up decorations the day before, including setting up his light-up deer.

After finishing setting up around 9 p.m. and going to bed, he noticed the deer

expanding the rain barrel program to other communities in the county.

“If any other community is interested in approaching us, we will try to make some-

was gone when he checked at 8 p.m.

Cash quarrel

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — At around 7 p.m. on Dec. 4, a 64-year-old Harrison Township man called the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office about the neighbor above his apartment in the 26000 block of Crocker Boulevard.

The man told deputies his neighbor, a 60-year-old Harrison Township woman, has been pestering him with messages claiming he owes her $300. Deputies were able to call the woman, who denied any knowledge of what the man was talking about.

She said that she did not owe him money and claimed that the man had a history of making fake police reports.

— Dean Vaglia

thing work for their municipality,” Miller said. “I just think it’s a great program.”

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

Christmas

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.

Photos by Nick Powers

HOMES

BUILDING THEM BIGGER

EXPERTS SHARE WHY SMALLER, MORE AFFORDABLE NEWCONSTRUCTION HOMES ARE HARDER TO COME BY

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — 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 new-development 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-plussquare-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-square-foot 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 bed-

rooms and two-and-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 Loughrin, 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 singlefamily homes.

Loughrin 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 Loughrin, Robertson Brothers has a project in Commerce Township where single-family homes are starting in the high $400,000-range.

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.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Sewer

from page 1A

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 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 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.

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.

Building

from page 12A

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,” Loughrin 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 singlefamily, and of course you have those amenities you get in a walkable community.”

Those kinds of differences can help explain Loughrin’s observation of the housing market.

“That’s why townhomes are popular; it’s really entry-level housing,” Loughrin 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, land-development 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 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 Loughrin, 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 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, Loughrin offered a glimmer of hope.

“The main demand we’re seeing are detached ranch condominiums,” he said. “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 seg-

C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties: Main Office: 13650 E. 11 Mile Road Warren, MI 48089 (586) 498-8000 facebook.com/MountClemensJournal @candgnews candgnews.com

Editor:

Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com

Reporter: Dean Vaglia | (586) 498-1043 | dvaglia@candgnews.com

Nick Powers | (586) 498-1059 | npowers@candgnews.com

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ment that’s growing. As far as more of your traditional, smaller, single-family 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 toddcraft@city lifemi.com.

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HARRISON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the HARRISON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 AT 7:00 P.M. in Rosso Memorial Hall, 38255 L’Anse Creuse Road, Harrison Township, to hear and consider comments, both verbal and written, relative to the following: Applicant: Huron Pointe Excavating – 32490 South River Rd.

Purpose of Request: Temporary use of a storage yard for miscellaneous equipment & materials By Reason Of: Charter Township of Harrison Zoning Ordinance Article 14.00 Zoning Districts Article 11, Section 11.14 Temporary structures, tents and uses

Properties in Question: #17-12-30-328-008 & #17-12-30-328-007 Harrison Twp, MI 48045 (Zoned V-1A)

ANY INTERESTED PERSON (S) MAY APPEAR OR BE REPRESENTED AT SAID MEETING.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND / OR COMMENTS, WRITTEN OR ORAL, WILL BE RECEIVED AT THE HARRISON TOWNSHIP OFFICES, 38151 L’ANSE CREUSE ROAD, HARRISON TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN, 48045, (586-466-1461)

BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:00 A.M. AND 4:30 P.M., MONDAY - FRIDAY.

Individuals with disabilities or impairments who plan to attend this meeting should contact the Planning / ZBA Department at (586) 466-1461 or email pc-zba@harrison-township.org if auxiliary aids or services are needed.

Published: Journal 12/18/2024

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HARRISON

0177-2451

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE HARRISON TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M. IN ROSSO MEMORIAL HALL, 38255 L’ANSE CREUSE ROAD, IN SAID TOWNSHIP, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSIDERING AN APPEAL BY:

CASE #02-25-ZBA: Bryan Saad – 25990 Crocker Blvd. Property #17-11-24-479-006 Harrison Twp., MI 48045 (GC)

PURPOSE OF REQUEST: Requesting a variance from Section 72-7 (2, H) to install a 95 sq/ft rooftop sign BY REASON OF: Charter Township of Harrison Code of Ordinances Chapter 72, Section 72-7 (2, H), – Signs mounted on roofs

Notice is further given that the Charter Township of Harrison Zoning Board of Appeals may modify or change the variance(s) as requested, including granting of variance(s) for said purpose, which may create another and different variance(s) from the requirements of the above cited Charter Township of Harrison ordinance, all within its discretion and as otherwise permitted by law. Any interested person(s) may appear or be represented at said meeting.

Additional information or comments, written or oral, will be received at the Harrison Township Offces, 38151 L’Anse Creuse Rd, Harrison Twp., MI, 48045 (586-466-1461) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Published: Journal 12/18/2024

For retail ad rates: Dave Rubello | (586) 489-8117 | drubello@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com

Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100 Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099

Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com

Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle • Farmington Press • Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle • Grosse Pointe Times • Macomb Township Chronicle Madison-Park News • Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Township Journal • Novi Note • Rochester Post Roseville-Eastpointe Eastsider Royal Oak Review • Shelby-Utica News • Southfield Sun • St. Clair Shores Sentinel • Sterling Heights Sentry Troy Times • Warren Weekly West Bloomfield Beacon • Woodward Talk • C & G Special Edition (Grosse Pointe/Macomb Co.) • C & G Special Edition (Oakland Co.)

0330-2451

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HARRISON

Property #17-12-20-479-001

Harrison Twp., MI 48045 (R1-C)

PURPOSE OF REQUEST: Requesting multiple setback determinations BY REASON OF: Charter Township of Harrison Code of Ordinances

Article 12, Section 12.10 – Front yard setback motifcations

Article 14, Section 14.09 – R1-C single family residential

Published: Journal 12/18/2024

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

15A/ JOURNAL • DECEMBER 18, 2024

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, wellnessprograms@ageways.org, tinyurl.com/ageways workshops

DEC. 20

’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

Christmas cookie decorating and handprint craft: 1-2 p.m., Harrison Township Public Library, 38255 L’Anse Creuse (Suite A), registration required, (586) 329-1261, htlibrary.org/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

Lions Lounge: Detroit v Chicago: Watch game on big screens in Alger House, also food and drinks for purchase, 1 p.m. (doors at 12:15 p.m.), The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, free but RSVP encouraged, warmemorial.org/ eventcalendar

JAN. 10

Euchre tournament: Card playing for ages 21 and older at 7 p.m. (dinner at 6 p.m. and sign-in at 6:30 p.m.), St. Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market St. in Mount Clemens, RSVP by Jan. 8, (586) 468-4579

ONGOING

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

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, (586) 469-8666, theartcenter.org/holiday-market

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

Social groups: Find meetups for yoga, chess, knitting and crocheting, anime, teens, book clubs, Lego and more, Harrison Township Public Library, 38255 L’Anse Creuse St. (Suite A), (586) 329-1261, htlibrary.org/ events

Men overcoming loss ofpartner/spouse: Meetings 6-7:30 p.m. every third Tuesday of month, virtual and in person, Hospice of Michigan, 39531 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, wlawton@hom.org, (586) 263-8514

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS): Weight-loss group for ages 7 and older, includes education, ideas, recipes, accountability, support and prizes, meetings

at 6 p.m. (confidential weigh-ins at 5:30 p.m.) every Tuesday, Tucker Senior Center, 26980 Ballard St. in Harrison Township, contact Barb at (586) 549-2925 or tbreardon@comcast.net

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

Dodge Park Ice Rink: Noon-9 p.m. MondaysThursdays, noon-10 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

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

Home for the Holidays: Take 1-mile lighted walk around property and visit Santa, also explore decorations inside, plus complimentary hot cocoa, entry every half hour from 5:30-8:30 p.m. until Dec. 22, Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, fordhouse.org/events, (313) 884-4222

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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

Children’s clothing stolen GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A

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-tuition fellowships.

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 into each departmental studio. Their voices are critically important as we navigate the future cultural landscape, and we look forward to watching them make a profound and lasting impact on culture.”

Prospective candidates for the Cranbrook Academy of Art Gilbert Fellows program can apply now for the 2025-2026 academic year 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

subject.

“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

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